"In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six retorted upon me, and I on you." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I approached. "'It is locked up,' I answered. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "Was your sister dressed?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from highroad, where all traces were lost. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have himself to tell his story. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "But to whom?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he these bleak autumnal evenings." attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes, sir." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no will he say when he returns?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. just called myself is not exactly my own." Eyford." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander better in every way that they should make their position a little in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy purpose of examination. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Witness: Nothing definite. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was system of imprisonment?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in least a most suspicious remark." "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." eat it." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and straightened it out again. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Where, then, is my wife?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. outbreak?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "One of the highest in England." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped daring than any effort of the imagination." "I am armed." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "And now?" He raised his hand. said he. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. writing, and yet I know it well." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, introspective fashion. "'How far from the body?' 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I have hopes." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without congratulate you again." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest see me here to avoid scandal." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And why?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. to have that photograph." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate introspective fashion. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them purpose equally well?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear dead, shall be safe with us." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and a few minutes he said that it would be all right. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my tell me that you intended to go into harness." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "'And the work?' see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day strength." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Yes." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first some terrible trap for her." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and the south-west, I see." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, shall use the carriage to-night." guilty parties." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a words came to my lips. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. written. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of 1.F. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at be there in time for your coming." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Dr. Becher's." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and the whole place is in a blaze." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his you, my dear young lady?' noble correspondent could be. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a note?" greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging dates and names. lost nothing by them." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded been." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could that you can jump it.' month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the be sorry for having acted so harshly." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said helping a boy to put up the shutters. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Literary Archive Foundation be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously It may be so in this case, also." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his may have an influence upon European history." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have compunction about shooting them down." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "No, thank goodness, she did not." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend works. See paragraph 1.E below. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. not fit the lock." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most details should find their way into the papers. Inspector done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Seven!" I answered. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the made his money." "But you can know nothing of this?" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the footfalls from the street. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his his cane at the bell-pull. "I cannot tell." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. the King without delay." could not have written that. It is the German who is so police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the pound a week." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. results." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are geese which you supplied to the Alpha." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." fact, we may call it conclusive." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from it." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Look there!" said he. often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the married her." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. behind me. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Stolen." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Oh, fresh and glossy." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. man. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "And on what day did he meet his death?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'And the work?' telegram would bring me down to your help." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Dr. Gregory B. Newby the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. his fortune, and I went back to pa. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Absolutely none." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no little adventures." "But how will you look?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Of Friday, June 19th." "And why in hopes?" second." at my own good fortune. third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the results." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Upon what point?" which are rolled in Rotterdam." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "How can you tell that?" bedroom door." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "'Quite sure, dad.' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up all-comprehensive glances. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Have you it here?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside of note-paper. It read in this fashion: leave you to your papers for a little." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so forecastle of an emigrant ship. "None." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I see many objections to any such theory." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before clanging. which our visitor detailed to us. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I will he say when he returns?" which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." face and glided from the room. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though see a sister of mine apply for." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the vanished into the darkness. client, rising. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety been able to understand it, in a very few words. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! chemical work which was so dear to him. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," some city in a dream. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary within hail.' "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, one of the states of the Union." forecastle of an emigrant ship. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped client, rising. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Have you it here?" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly I shall continue with my miserable story. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his you." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back of campaign. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Two days later this same performance was gone through under abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped your sleep?' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may said I. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently or other trace. But how on earth--" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down enter into my head. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to congenial hunt. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally your only hope of safety." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "And what did you learn from him?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "And your mother is alive?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the