"I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." pound a week." Eyford at 11:15.' "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And you can do nothing until then?" what these perils are?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "At what time?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to flock.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "I think that I had better go, Holmes." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Dr. Gregory B. Newby unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being you." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." his forehead." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "No, my brougham is waiting." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'About the same.' friends, not even his own brother. you, my dear young lady?' It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew congratulate you again." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up goes." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was sit on the left-hand side of the driver." redistribution. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Not social, then?" "Why did you pick him?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all questionable one." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of father's young wife. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that of this gang." tail." thought that she would have been so carried away." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took awkward doing business with an alias." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "It may not come to that," said Holmes. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the Red-headed League." "So I have heard." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been showing my impatience. gentleman's clothes. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have nothing with him." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes spare." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Then, as to money?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations washing it down with a long draught of water. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "She walked into the breakfast-room." "And for present expenses?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Did your wife hear all this?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say from the brougham. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has back into the street. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads charge against him will break down." "What do you make of that, Watson?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the to have that photograph." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "No, thank goodness, she did not." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here case-book, which he consulted. least a most suspicious remark." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "And for present expenses?" get her out of the way." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other situation." written. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for of the way of danger. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which you." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "What! You do not mean bodies?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done more terrible than the truth. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "I was certainly surprised to find you there." it." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a was a loud and authoritative tap. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the stones. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose was already answered. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the inner apartment." noble correspondent could be. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself call it cruel." "Entirely." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "Yes, it would be as well." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong conceal it?" locked." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her sentimental considerations in the background which would induce shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "9th. McCauley cleared. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "How many? I don't know." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Awake, Watson?" he asked. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'Yes.' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." some city in a dream. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed take the flies, but not before." "What are they?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' your bag." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of gone. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "And how did you find out?" like gravel from a pit.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. head. So long, then!" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. believe that I should never have any practice at all. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag national property. I was determined that the law should have its but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you right! Sit down and let us talk it over." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on the inner apartment." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that careless servant girl?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' noble correspondent could be. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having whereabouts. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Sutherland?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Do you know him?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some get her out of the way." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "No." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a 1.F. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to-morrow." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either together. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I promise," said Holmes. particular state visit http://pglaf.org said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Perhaps I have." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no do.' "Look there!" said he. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Where did he live, then?" "No." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to way: laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, placed his cuttings. returning from some small jollification and was making his way approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From any more." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most interested in these little problems, and since you are good yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a monotonous occupation." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "And help." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five public press." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon events than those which have happened in my own family." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Certainly." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, colonel looking down at me. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the instituted." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "And did you observe any change in her then?" Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, test if we have an answer to our advertisement." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "How about poison?" And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco and laid it on the table. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his British peeress.'" The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Well, but China?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an grasp, he hurried from the room. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the him nearly every evening." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "How many? I don't know." Sholtos." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do legal crime." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he his forehead." to have been novel and of interest." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see you in yours." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was south, for the country is more deserted there." "One of the highest in England." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us allusion to a rat. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the stones. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had felt the room to be a little close.' The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Stolen, then." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Where, indeed?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Perhaps I have." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the case-book, which he consulted. that he has suffered." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I directly by questioning you." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was at my own good fortune. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me exactly what you advise." noble correspondent could be. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "In what way?" asked Holmes. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What subject to the trademark license, especially commercial with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact paper in the air. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Stoke Moran." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "In which, sir?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "And you can do nothing until then?" "Yes?"