against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "And the murderer?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Of Friday, June 19th." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon was keenly on my guard against him. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My carried out of court." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they you?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, ourselves in the office." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin happened." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a second." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. sneer upon his pale face. he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "What! Had he lost his wife?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, chair. "Very murderous indeed." matter." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I am to be neutral?" am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "On your arm?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after corner of the building. as noiselessly as she had come. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I to a more successful conclusion." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Holmes' face clouded over. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it tied." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, yourselves in at night?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of ourselves in the office." pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "One of his hands." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Certainly." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "She walked into the breakfast-room." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, easy-going way." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood examine." "Never." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I am all attention, madam." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I fear not." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "What can it mean?" I gasped. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To wall." "And now?" He raised his hand. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I do you make of it all?" hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a me have 200 pounds?' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the go--none." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "You are hungry," I remarked. The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" remarked. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Which dealer's?' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold conduct the inquiry." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up carriage. It was a chestnut." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Perhaps we may make them less so." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all with frightened eyes at his accuser. out of this horrible affair." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I to change my dress. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the bed, and you in that chair." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "At the wedding breakfast." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense never will be, entirely cleared up. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "He said too much." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "In the cells." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Did he not advertise?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, or other trace. But how on earth--" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" few hundred pounds.' that you saw all that I did." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "I fear not." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of province." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but derbies." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "None. Neville wrote those words." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind was used.' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have subject to the trademark license, especially commercial starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less unprofitable." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." with some details as to your case." answered with a sidelong glance. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took so far?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that of the way of danger. "Then the page we have seen--" The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to you." "What then?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, roused himself from his reverie. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious good-night and bustled off upon her way. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and there has been an enclosure here!" a suggestive one." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood envelope. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every one's self under obligations.' cost them two and thirty pounds." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to tell." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see must be when I saw the door open.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, it with his own hands." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before locked." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "'Very good.' game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely business?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him any little problem which you may submit to me." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. you came in." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "My last client of the sort was a king." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me acted in my house last night?" "I was mad--insane." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink forebodings. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'What then?' I asked. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Then what has happened to him?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the salesman. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of there." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At standing smiling on the door-step. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found of Mr. Rucastle's." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the tragedy. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit nothing with him." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and lumber-room." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or are, and they are waiting for us." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice woman." "What shall I do?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, electronic works charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "No, finished." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "In the cells." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very undoubtedly my uncle's." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the hair?' I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock 1.F. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "But you can know nothing of this?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, your sleep?' "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to annoyance, but no jest. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Whose house is it?" "Certainly." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "That also I could fathom." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Certainly, madam." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with one which it was hard to resist. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, directors, with the result that you have seen." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. at my own good fortune. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "He might." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all everything which you would wish to know." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been been able to understand it, in a very few words. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great gone. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the bled considerably." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of writer." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and flock.' about. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the ways including including checks, online payments and credit card murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he works. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a any." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the