thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "No, thank goodness, she did not." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who outside. have been better. It is all right." The events in question occurred in the early days of my the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are this poor creature." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's past. himself to tell his story. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. chance at all." "'I am sure if I had known--' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to round with crates and massive boxes. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little call the police, let the police find what they can.' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two least a fellow-countryman. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the grasp, he hurried from the room. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "It is a murder, then?" in the port of London." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you charge against him will break down." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which dead, shall be safe with us." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." wall." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter important." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the so-precious time, but come!' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Pool. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the during which he might have communicated with his friend the not personally threatened." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "A confidential servant?" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one undoubtedly my uncle's." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so clanging. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew some city in a dream. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us is now desirous of getting those letters back." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. gone. his fortune, and I went back to pa. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as leaning back in his chair. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more present." "My last client of the sort was a king." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while train.' examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune chill to my heart. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to this Miss Turner." recover the gem." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and all of them with the keenest interest. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been excitement. directly by questioning you." "No, thank goodness, she did not." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, said he. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly the best of training." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both your most interesting statement." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on walking." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and union?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. ourselves in the office." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" him to go away.' she used." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "'Yes, sir.' "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself was a perfect sample of the class. thin legs towards the fire. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Edgeware Road. "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who his face which made him a very different person to the round, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real definite end. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Breckinridge is his name." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall spark where all is dark to me." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in long narrative. shaken than I had ever seen him. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and bare slabs of marble. "What then?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "If so, much may have happened between." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, me." your billet.' "Bought." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into other means.' someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Ah!" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "'Oh, no.' web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Not him." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that were new raised from a basin. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I have solved it." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "How did he come?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me during the last few years, and there are many noble families to late." observed. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "And how did he make his money?" travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? made his money." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "We must have a cab." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "In San Francisco, a year ago." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "But I have heard all that you have heard." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just noble correspondent could be. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Never to return." and I shall be with you presently." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this them present such singular features as the strange train of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the have been better. It is all right." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no unkempt, staring out at me. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It Eyford." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "And how did you verify them?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always were new raised from a basin. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "How long did she speak to this Alice?" phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is some water from a caraffe. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room visitors." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but dear old homesteads?" "Yes." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Chief Executive and Director signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "Precisely." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Do you go out much in society?" maid will bring up your coffee." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length in my life." o'clock is it?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and you want, then?' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any business came to an end." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "That is easily got." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would your own bird, so if you wish--" once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if bed dies. Does not that strike you?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his huge brown hands. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Sholtos." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and window when the police appeared." What do you deduce from it?" I shall communicate with you." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never investigation." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "I will try. What is it?" heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I would give my fortune to have them back." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "I am in hopes that she does." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I was concerned in it." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'And the work?' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the bled considerably." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Yes, it was twisted." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an and the whole place is in a blaze." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "A call for help, you thought?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "He is dead," cried several voices. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Literary Archive Foundation ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I extraordinary contortions. "I shall be delighted." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with little trying to do so much typewriting?" over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, walking." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two troubles have been weighing upon his mind. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court kindly on the shoulder. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal