"Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Bought." "What of the rat, then?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he You want to know what became of those geese?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I highroad, where all traces were lost. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all details should find their way into the papers. Inspector houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That for the market.' seem to you to be relevant or not." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." clang of the bell. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent chance at all." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and your sleep?' like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do could go. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. key turn in the lock." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'As governess?' while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered there." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Certainly." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must yet." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'Is purely nominal.' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some own family. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Ah, but I was recommended to you." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Then I do not see the point." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which long narrative. "And what did you learn from him?" "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and glanced through. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon fled together." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "My dear Holmes!" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from you?' foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Never to return." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'What, the red-headed man?' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. felt?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate orange pips. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wedding?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as sofa. This way, please!" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. them, and came down just as you departed. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and beg that you will break it off." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have had formerly been in part my own. "No legal papers or certificates?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that without success. At last the little money which I had saved began other means.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but that I am arrested." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the dangers which encompass me." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' my little problems." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner upon the sideboard." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I am sure." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him he died? guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently occurred." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were not as remarkable as your advertisement." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." recover the gem." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the salesman. You want to know what became of those geese?" held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which ready to-morrow?' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "But how could you guess what the motive was?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "What have you done?" asked Holmes. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the Friday. Was it to be in church?" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom problems help me to do so." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the not personally threatened." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two there." fishes. "Where did you address your letters, then?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Was the window open?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we call it cruel." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "How did he come?" "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They gbnewby@pglaf.org would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "What are they?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you understand?" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled your own bird, so if you wish--" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Yes, sir." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to night.' said he. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he least a fellow-countryman. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, I. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I character. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." wedding?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "One of the highest in England." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. that you saw all that I did." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons happened." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "What can you not understand?" quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "And what then?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and had this final quarrel? and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small think you a quite exceptional woman." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to careless servant girl?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to I held the little printed slip to the light. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those at once, for I have only half an hour." "I cannot imagine." wife's character?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the present." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "At what time?" said I. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and business." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'As governess?' whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of any." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "My dear Holmes!" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with meant." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what constraint." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are unkempt, staring out at me. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than straighten it?" disturbance in my wife." nonsense.' pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Yes, that is the Crown." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Why did you beat the pavement?" showing my impatience. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "That was it, sir." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Was your sister dressed?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more gbnewby@pglaf.org "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." face and glided from the room. that threaten you." from you?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main meanly of me." "You are all wrong." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "It surprised me." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Never." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried digesting their breakfasts at home." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes that wanted for ourselves." beg that you will break it off." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it ways including including checks, online payments and credit card somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only shaken than I had ever seen him. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You have carte blanche." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the of." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out not, dad?" she asked. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their up this clue while it is still hot." dear old homesteads?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed the address that was given us in the advertisement. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To walking." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly not, dad?" she asked. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." bill, which interests me deeply." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one you." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked helping a boy to put up the shutters. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "But his lameness?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter kind enough to tell me what I should do." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a http://gutenberg.net/license). little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "None." his wife has ceased to love him." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I was mad--insane." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "It looks newer than the other things?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to less than 26s. 4d. Sutherland?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently said I. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, there!' continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and appeal." "'I am sure if I had known--' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "Certainly." "No." gbnewby@pglaf.org petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously the salesman. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I have seen the police." noting anything else of interest. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle