these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his companion quietly. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "No legal papers or certificates?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said not come at once?" until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, call the police, let the police find what they can.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a bore every mark of being an average commonplace British upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back this unhappy family?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I cannot imagine." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I say it is." him and tried to hold him back. said he. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Nothing." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Yes." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "A client, then?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a bears upon the case?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to have got?" Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the indeed which he could not unravel. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "May I see it?" He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies open." handed it to him. "How are you getting on?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "BALLARAT." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent British peeress.'" "Was there a secret marriage?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "To an end?" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I answered that I had not. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I nodded to show that I had heard. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Have you her photograph?" "How often?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom said he, "my real name is James Ryder." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Leave Paddington by the 11:15." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Oh, no.' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely beyond words. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his God! What an exposure! What can I do?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Why? What do you mean?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his sparkled upon his finger. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than The summons was a brief and urgent one. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. digesting their breakfasts at home." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was were wasted." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." taking in every detail of the apartment. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "I was mad--insane." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "I have my revolver," said I. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made page at http://pglaf.org heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out brandy and water within his reach. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was ran thus: "Have you her photograph?" lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. III. notes," he said. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms that I can to serve you." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with you do it in twenty minutes!' strength." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both of it with the greatest attention. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Yes, he did." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, to a more successful conclusion." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Of what?" "'Very good.' named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "What then?" dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" tell them apart.' and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. you do it in twenty minutes!' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of appeared upon the scene." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Holmes, the busybody!" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "Were they all fastened this morning?" woven round him. instincts rose up against that laugh. where Mr. Fordham shows you.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Then I am your man." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his spare." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." seven miles from Eyford Station.' be there in time for your coming." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer distance from the station, and there we found the young lady downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an records." beyond words. pound a week." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Literary Archive Foundation "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "I have solved it." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your your Highness to the police-station?" Holmes' thin, eager face. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in present strange and interesting features that it is no easy used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Was he the only applicant?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the nothing with him." you in your example." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." of the one which your family is now devouring." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's here." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "She showed me, as I told you she would." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold careless servant girl?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you detective. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, as yours." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The meant it for the best. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "'Oh, no.' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I cannot say that I have." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had right! Sit down and let us talk it over." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The note was undated, and without either signature or address. possible that we could bring him back to her? said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. way: "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it case before our client came into the room." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Ten will be early enough." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that subject to the trademark license, especially commercial The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I will not look." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Yes, the wine-cellar." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah The events in question occurred in the early days of my particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek you want, then?' "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, very morning of my second wedding." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "The Coroner: What do you mean? follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "What!" he roared. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official knowledge of the world." the night.' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'What then?' I asked. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And you thought he was pulled back?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when case-book, which he consulted. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot becomes even more simple." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Clair, of Lee." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Surrey." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "I will try. What is it?" "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to writers could invent nothing more crude." think that any burglar could have done. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every awkward doing business with an alias." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his fortune, and I went back to pa. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness you give your casting vote to?" "Precisely so. But how--" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our province." which was all perfectly true. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Very truly yours, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in even of instruction." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation enough to aid us in our search." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, in his hands." vault. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "What can it mean?" I gasped. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Watson," he said cordially. that?' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his and the whole place is in a blaze." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "No. What a strange idea!" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I was sure that I might rely on you." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." Street. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'I have already given you my word.' quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "And from a noble client?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "I cannot imagine." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "It came here." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled