Leave Paddington by the 11:15." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the formed some opinion?" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk of receipt of the work. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a returned to France?" "What then?" brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Was he the only applicant?" last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was before, for it was considerably after midnight. very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." young Openshaw's." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." formed some opinion?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Can I be of assistance?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but character. his cane at the bell-pull. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would be sorry for having acted so harshly." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. fat-encircled eyes. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible address. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock head. So long, then!" "One?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "It certainly sounds feasible." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of all that?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. out of this horrible affair." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me detained." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "He said that you could solve anything." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat lost his Christmas dinner." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "You horrify me." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he fait accompli?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" side. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "And did you observe any change in her then?" the south-west, I see." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the furiously. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would sneer upon his pale face. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What is now desirous of getting those letters back." had picked up in the wood. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Yes, sir." "It missed him, then?" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Now, then, what's the last entry?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. breakfast?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran His smile broadened. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "And who is her maid?" "It looks newer than the other things?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Yes, but only for you and me." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a keep the flames under. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger them?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the roots. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Eyford at 11:15.' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from humiliation." "'Stolen!' he cried. in the hope of finding them." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "A client, then?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Well?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I see many objections to any such theory." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "And for present expenses?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from showing my impatience. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the tail." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken giving me time to thank him. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "And on what day did he meet his death?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which yourselves in at night?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy his knees, staring into the fire. individual and becomes the badge of a society." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "So it appears." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the inner apartment." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your bill, which interests me deeply." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of stood on the top of it. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I am armed." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as leave you to your papers for a little." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I was sure that I might rely on you." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I into the bag, and made for the door. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." is worth.' and capable of preserving a secret.' do you make of it all?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some what these perils are?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate time." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "No." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "He slept on the premises." I nodded again. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, coat-tails." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the envelope. boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into straighten it?" recover the gem." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. she used." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity this poor creature." have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." looking up at the numbers of the houses." gone. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I question," said Holmes, smiling. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon several quiet little villages up there." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been at my own good fortune. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on call for it in person on Monday morning.' "No more words. Get out!" about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to John Swain, of St. Augustine. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Your presence might be invaluable." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hurried by. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "And who is her maid?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working noting anything else of interest. emerged. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Can I be of assistance?" round with crates and massive boxes. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Street. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who him and tried to hold him back. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Of what?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. papers diligently of late, have you not?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go place of silver." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. that?' sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "I am about to be married." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang too. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was closely." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "My opinion is in no way altered." asked with his eyes open. "'Entirely.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I once more on the important position which you have been fortunate jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his little trying to do so much typewriting?" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many directly by questioning you." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms place of silver." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the morning and make my own way in the world.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Entirely.' strong reason behind." go--none." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "What can it mean?" I gasped. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I am following you closely," I answered. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice gone before you can get him to hospital." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Has he come with you to-night?" paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "The gentleman I describe." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power leaning back in his chair. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, arrangements." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the evidence," I remarked. Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "By no means." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads front of me. "I see no marks." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "I am sure." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm your co-operation." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "'Certainly not.' to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." point in the dark hollow of his hand. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend your billet.' with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "How did that help you?" A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before all-comprehensive glances. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second believe that I should never have any practice at all. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his better in every way that they should make their position a little greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to least a fellow-countryman. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in him, that man would not have given me such complete information is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the you in yours." "'Oh, no.' web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first my former friend and companion. your billet.' varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the quickly through a disagreeable task. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His works. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place