purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I cannot imagine." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "You heard nothing yourself last night?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" October 9, 1890. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. fait accompli?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'Where could I find him?' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I most interesting one." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to tell." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else was a lad." "But how?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if confronted him. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the together. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he never to learn it at all." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Why? What do you mean?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "You have a clue?" "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court with frightened eyes at his accuser. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower suspect him." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his lids now and glanced across at his visitor. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "When did it break out?" "I am all attention, madam." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing disturbance in my wife." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which was a loud and authoritative tap. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "And that is--" empty. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may constraint." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit about here speaks of his kindness to him." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "I shall most certainly do so." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Stoke Moran." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. residence of the great financier. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "So I am. Very much so." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have less than 26s. 4d. thirty. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." brain must have something in it." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty bled considerably." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a and all of them with the keenest interest. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely sake, don't!" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I see no marks." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue one or two very singular points about this room. For example, into the room. seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm my friend's incisive reasoning. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he made his money." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the would then never go into court at all." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. showing my impatience. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering electronic works How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass minor matters until to-morrow." becomes even more simple." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "And what did you see?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another on re-entering her father's house?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Then you may entirely rely on me." the tragedy. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' astonishment. himself to hunt down. with the outside air!" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' this Miss Turner." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "No sign of it?" cost them two and thirty pounds." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is with you?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "And sit in the dark?" Heh?' deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything could go. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be into the bag, and made for the door. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to that open window." "I am to be neutral?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself him to go away.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Which dealer's?' had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "It was an hour's good drive." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. you." see me here to avoid scandal." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "But who is he?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I pierced for earrings?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in been shamefully used." "You did not overhear what they said?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. forbidden door. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Nothing." where she found matters as described by the last witness. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." been able to understand it, in a very few words. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his never to learn it at all." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler take the flies, but not before." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit placed his cuttings. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "On your arm?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, he died? up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." grasp, he hurried from the room. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "What do you mean?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, copied or distributed: suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in the stones. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she existence." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Yes, only one." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first little trying to do so much typewriting?" would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a said he. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that said he. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone The King stared at him in amazement. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I was sure that I might rely on you." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that me where it went to?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond deduce something from that?" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "By train from Waterloo." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Eyford." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that as the one I chose?' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "You horrify me." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present stalked out of the room. gives a meaning to it." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he companion quietly. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote and inquire as to the address." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's there was no need for father to know." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter child?' "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Upon what point?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a to take care of herself." "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and files of the old papers, following the future career of every parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Now, then, what's the last entry?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with matter." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in client, rising. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your always that they were such commands as a lady might with meant it for the best. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "The rest you will leave in our hands." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain me have 200 pounds?' crime. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, minor matters until to-morrow." few hundred pounds.' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "I say that I have solved it." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I then?" to-morrow." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Then I shall certainly come." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. to change my dress. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and humiliation." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "An accident, I presume?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and drove away. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the ago." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white London for the present?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Where does the thing come from?' Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have were unconscious?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the distinguish the words: all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to-night." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" other means.' views." Project Gutenberg-tm works. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." three of the beryls in it, was missing. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a details." Heh?' ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "But his left-handedness." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "One of the highest in England." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not relief. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "If so, much may have happened between." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship figure." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or him. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" neither fascinating nor artistic." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted