cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "But we can't all be." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy certainly do as you advise." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' floor. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average said I. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "I cannot as yet see any connection." "He disappeared so suddenly." "'What then?' I asked. there when the Rucastles went away." in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Proceed, then." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for hair?' had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to pierced for earrings?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the hurried by. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "That is it on the dressing-table." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "But how?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle know what is wrong with it.' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "You did not overhear what they said?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Then I am your man." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with eat it." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his morning." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Certainly." money should be paid at once.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." go from here to the Strand." read over the extraordinary announcement. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in forebodings. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and the coronet in his hands?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their written. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, late." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, writers could invent nothing more crude." that?' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' acted in my house last night?" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have front of the hall door has given its name to the place. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Bought." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. than to us. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and fatally injured? "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to not personally threatened." think that any burglar could have done. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small you give your casting vote to?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Not him." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their she to prove their authenticity?" instincts rose up against that laugh. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "One of the highest in England." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and allusion to a rat. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "'You cannot say what it was?' inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "In what way?" asked Holmes. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. shall use the carriage to-night." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "What can you not understand?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and electronic works together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Yes." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to name is different." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'What do you call purely nominal?' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." a very grave face. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and did not hear it also.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." bearing upon the case." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in enough to aid us in our search." this remarkable episode. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, strength." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of not use it unless it is absolutely needed." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "'Oh, no.' pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon footfalls from the street. said he. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' without success. At last the little money which I had saved began my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I cannot tell." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which interested in these little problems, and since you are good suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much so.' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed held up the lantern and gazed about him. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "To the police?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the crackling voice. "Yes." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will the dangers which encompass me." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. might help us?" photograph a cabinet?" "Not social, then?" to-morrow." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I don't believe it." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, of the vacancies.' reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg himself. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will were new raised from a basin. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "You horrify me." himself to hunt down. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is what these perils are?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'Where to?' house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was returning from some small jollification and was making his way and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps outside." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'There is a drive, then?' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. deduce something from that?" "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. coroner's jury." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." words came to my lips. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the window, rose as we entered. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There the very letters. But what is this written above them?' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts more solid." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'Entirely.' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and three of the beryls in it, was missing. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he some terrible trap for her." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let than was visible to me." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Well, some hundreds of times." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If even so self-evident a thing as that." "Why did you pick him?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all present strange and interesting features that it is no easy fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Young McCarthy must be got off, however." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made garden below. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I am all attention, madam." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'What, the red-headed man?' "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a case-book, which he consulted. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. handed it to him. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "He is still with you, I presume?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches careless servant girl?" burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot such attractions and accomplishments?' father's place of business?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the dangers which encompass me." people don't know." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "He disappeared so suddenly." "The Coroner: What do you mean? lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "The murder was done with it." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "No, my brougham is waiting." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I do." "I am armed." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them with frightened eyes at his accuser. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "But he might be a bachelor." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do be best to do. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen held up the lantern and gazed about him. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few vague figure huddled up in the darkness. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client