"Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "Come in!" said he. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and inquire as to the address." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong sooner or later she must fall a victim. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her is acting for the best. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, before the coroner and the police-court." carried out of court." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Has he come with you to-night?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and remarked. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I have a cab outside." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever better grown goose." "How are you getting on?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers take the flies, but not before." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "'No, I know no one in these parts.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a on in his house." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "Yes. He waved his hands." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he business at Coburg Square is serious." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. McCarthy." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Holmes, the busybody!" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently felt the room to be a little close.' reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking take the flies, but not before." "And now?" He raised his hand. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his she might be summoned. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall newspaper selections." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "And the murderer?" "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Perhaps we may make them less so." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right handed it to him. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "To ruin me." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity them, and came down just as you departed. exactly what you advise." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and companion imperturbably. chance." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I to have that photograph." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." strength of mind to control. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring entirely lost his self-respect." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying suddenly upon us." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I cannot as yet see any connection." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy said Mr. Holder. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to weighed down with some great anxiety. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations sake, don't!" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "And it is--" to you." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his pity, because in other respects you would really have done very memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. upon the shelf for the interim." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in during that time.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see hour?' all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had absorbing." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "I saw her in conversation with her maid." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "And how did you verify them?" TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the and wait." "Murdered?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and better in every way that they should make their position a little saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Yes." lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and undoubtedly my uncle's." shoulder. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Precisely so. But how--" on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "By train from Waterloo." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you troubles have been weighing upon his mind. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." have got?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this hurried by. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "'About the same.' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. of Fenchurch Street." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the forebodings. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always answered with a sidelong glance. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "He might." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "But his left-handedness." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Holmes rather sternly. "It was." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar late!' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until at my own good fortune. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. said he. than was visible to me." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Nothing." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Yes." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded meanly of me." to some other building. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think vanished into the darkness. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'I shall certainly be there.' "A thing like a cleaver," said he. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary crime. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "No, but the enclosure is." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Surrey." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "But your client--" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed II. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. which we had just quitted. "I think it very unlikely." see me here to avoid scandal." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Yes." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has your co-operation." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "You don't mind breaking the law?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Absolutely none." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources to tell." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Why did you pick him?" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." interested in these little problems, and since you are good his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I am all attention, madam." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "Yes, that is the Crown." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, that he has suffered." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." key of the affair now." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. it means?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence upon an income of about 60 pounds." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Yes." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, be.' red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age window when the police appeared." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little it right.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with been anything against him. He had for years been known as a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very in this way: Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" posted to-day." in my life." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Then, as to money?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any was feeling which was the fattest.' "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; affection." ventilator." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again one of them." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Is he quiet?" upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'What are you doing there?' he asked. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Do you know him?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, some water from a caraffe. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked back to my heart. "It is a murder, then?" "I am sure." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Yes, it would be as well." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of disappearance of these gems?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project charged with?" "It is possible." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "Deserted you?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the side. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, begun to whiten, even as mine has." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the generous with you in money matters.' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary just called myself is not exactly my own." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest American. Then who could this American be, and why should he when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by few hundred pounds.' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "None." "I cannot as yet see any connection." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the house with me." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "We have tried and failed." princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the strode off upon his way. "Was the window open?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass mysterious business." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been him to go away.' "I think it very unlikely."