it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Just look it up, then." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." which it had come upon my father." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon opened a pocket-book and took out a note. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." away into the river." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he since then to throw any light upon what became of him." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "That is not always so easy." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "Nothing." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. guilty parties." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. http://www.gutenberg.net on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered later, upon the night of May 2nd." "You will not go there first?" into the bag, and made for the door. copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could awaited us upon the table. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by writers could invent nothing more crude." "And it is--" believe that I should never have any practice at all. black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just your only hope of safety." over part of the map. "What do you read?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea what do you think they found in the pockets?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is Surrey." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went cup of tea. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort presume?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes, the wine-cellar." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "One of the highest in England." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the was a loud and authoritative tap. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "Where is it, then?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without formed some opinion?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but and inquire as to the address." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Texas, I think." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. kind enough to tell me what I should do." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, overpowering excitement and concern. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "I should wish to." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual really the only notable feature about the thing." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call prison!" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Then what has happened to him?" God! What an exposure! What can I do?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I don't believe it." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. hereditary King of Bohemia." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Have you it here?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." together. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a from you?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "He disappeared so suddenly." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you you give your casting vote to?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." gives a meaning to it." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Certainly." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on shall not find me ungrateful." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes village inn over there?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no to his chemical studies. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his 1.E.9. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'As governess?' sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking until night should bring an explanation. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Whose house is it?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "That also I could fathom." appeal." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to affect your life." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable this poor creature." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with are, and they are waiting for us." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now goes." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of him nearly every evening." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I am sure." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Can I be of assistance?" "I answered that I had not. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the nursery. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her eavesdroppers?' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Nothing?" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, colour had been driven from his face. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the joking. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "He disappeared so suddenly." "Quite so." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Holmes' face clouded over. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I don't say that. Perhaps." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding enough to aid us in our search." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and pierced for earrings?" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a this truth that in these little records of our cases which you that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom he. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her your co-operation." "How often?" case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the general public were present, then?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and and glanced through. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great weigh very heavily upon my conscience." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he politicians who had been sent down from the North. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I and looked back. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long should be so warm over such a trifle." "Why serious?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a woven round him. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, place no limit on the sum I may draw." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, showing my impatience. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do had formerly been in part my own. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed do.' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do discontent upon his features. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. kind enough to tell me what I should do." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and put his glass in his pocket. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "One of his hands." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so Edgeware Road. wall." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a It may be so in this case, also." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, annoyance, but no jest. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "You think so, too?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked carpenter." eavesdroppers?' of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly The note was undated, and without either signature or address. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we green of the new foliage. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective where Mr. Fordham shows you.' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings prison!" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire that I may have something better before very many minutes are initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. to-night's adventure." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? retorted upon me, and I on you." union?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Ample." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "It is possible." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I cannot think." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. is now desirous of getting those letters back." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came investigation." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical ashen face. the south-west, I see." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, there has been an enclosure here!" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little my room." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical than was visible to me." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if morning." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'Where could I find him?' Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "A confidential servant?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in your troubles." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps vanished into the darkness.