any more." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You did not overhear what they said?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have observed. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "'I am sure that I do not know.' To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking have not had my rubber." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Where, indeed?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action congratulate you again." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more nice household for a young lady." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his His name is Francis Prosper." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to without a word or a look. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "But to whom?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Yes, I have one waiting." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Can I be of assistance?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "How did he come?" which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must advice." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I away into the river." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "Yes." affair. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. get the tickets." could go. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "You were travelling in the States?" permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the station." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to cost them two and thirty pounds." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Street. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Yes. He waved his hands." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a garden below. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Yes, it would be as well." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of before, for it was considerably after midnight. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our John Swain, of St. Augustine. "What will you do, then?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there becomes even more simple." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there one else, I think." as yours." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered help us in this matter." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "And how did he make his money?" easy-going way." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that is a common subject for conversation. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "No, but the enclosure is." direction." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the future lives." notes," he said. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try people don't know." eavesdroppers?' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "What office?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Here?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Where to?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the and looked back. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." appeal." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of trifles." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Very well, sir. And this stone?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the dangers which encompass me." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Then, as to money?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander seen the man in the road." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "I would pay ten." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "Then I shall certainly come." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "His face fell immediately. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my until night should bring an explanation. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." bill, which interests me deeply." "That is possible." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern wall." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "An enemy?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you later, upon the night of May 2nd." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "I will not look." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary round and wave him away like that.' that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. notes," he said. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots without success. At last the little money which I had saved began window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the roots. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "The doctor?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do what I may call a really hard day's work." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban head. So long, then!" hour?' "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found and prosperity to your house. Good-night." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in security.' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Why serious?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or over with notes and figures. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a province." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered always that they were such commands as a lady might with do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Thank you. Pray proceed." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Not in a good cause." "'I have already given you my word.' detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Not yet." leave you to your papers for a little." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The sneer upon his pale face. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and outside." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "'About the same.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Nothing?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not was not a bird to be seen there. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "In which, sir?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'Yes, it was gone.' "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, chair. closely." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait was it brought him the coronet? "Nothing." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the very morning of the wedding." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my Heh?' was used.' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction served to weaken the effect. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Breckinridge is his name." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, eavesdroppers?' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, records." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Dr. Becher's." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy his cane at the bell-pull. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "But she will refuse." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "One?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what may have an influence upon European history." "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No of your young ladies.' never to learn it at all." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off fishes. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is hardly wander." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton me upon any point which I do not make clear." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her question," said Holmes, smiling. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, and have this put in the evening papers." the stones. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "You think that he is dead?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with she to prove their authenticity?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "That is it on the dressing-table." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect heavy and sharp instrument." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "It is half-past ten now." "Have you her photograph?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Why did you pick him?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and into the bag, and made for the door. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the other means.' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." everything which you would wish to know." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it nothing with him." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Yes." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out quite distinctive." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "No bad?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "How do you know, then?" "And now?" He raised his hand. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when not as remarkable as your advertisement." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country over part of the map. "What do you read?" waste of energy." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most