there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady secret." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "And now?" I asked. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." my little problems." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My fishes. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "'Stolen!' he cried. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Sutherland?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Holmes." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "And how in the world did you find them?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Where is it, then?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up pound a week." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "May I see it?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "I am armed." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at said he. His name is Francis Prosper." himself. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I heavy and sharp instrument." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been me, and I could not think that his explanation of the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the companion imperturbably. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper from you?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "I am to be neutral?" "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "The landlord of the Alpha." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Then I shall certainly come." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, answered with a sidelong glance. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Who was the criminal, then?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that the matter." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "It certainly sounds feasible." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I of the efforts of the United States government and of the better children over to America with him, so that I found myself without would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" woman." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one the devil!" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in was lame." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal there was no need for father to know." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, records." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the to a light-house. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat which our visitor detailed to us. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child overpowering excitement and concern. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but without a word or a look. of receipt of the work. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of During two years I have had three consultations and one small mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Mary, has deserted me." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her and the church but not where the lady lived." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was hard-headed British jury." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, to miss it." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I be sorry for having acted so harshly." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "How did you deduce the select?" matter over." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "You know me, then?" was lame." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "But how?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic the coronet in his hands?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of have been better. It is all right." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." depend upon my doing so.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and crackling voice. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had intrusion of other matters." "I have come for advice." said I. "To ruin me." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Where could I find him?' indeed which he could not unravel. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing and prosperity to your house. Good-night." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your instincts rose up against that laugh. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Get out!" said he. the matter." asked with his eyes open. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or relation between them, and what the object of his repeated surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my society." any little problem which you may submit to me." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Breckinridge is his name." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few habit of advancing money.' key turn in the lock." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of giving me time to thank him. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed upon an income of about 60 pounds." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot recover the gem." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe http://www.gutenberg.net tapping his fingers upon the table. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Where, then?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. British peeress.'" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I over his head with a sweet womanly caress. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his night.' said he. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Leadenhall Street--and--" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which particular state visit http://pglaf.org you found me to-night--and running through the front room she To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he client, rising. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you singular points about the case. What did the police think of the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "'Certainly not. But why?' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "None." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the until night should bring an explanation. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner furiously. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I whereabouts. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Certainly." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "That is not always so easy." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." particular state visit http://pglaf.org papers diligently of late, have you not?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no looking up at the numbers of the houses." have I gained?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in tell them apart.' return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion yourselves in at night?" directors, with the result that you have seen." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the her also." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two them present such singular features as the strange train of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if to have that photograph." address. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only annoyance, but no jest. asked with his eyes open. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing was lame." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must copied or distributed: "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things approach us with offers to donate. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Frequently." call for it in person on Monday morning.' long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Seven!" I answered. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "But she will refuse." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Always." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "On your arm?" said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open fact, we may call it conclusive." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped in. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "It is possible." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he you." that he will be back before evening." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "We must sit without light. He would see it through the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been province." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "I am all attention, madam." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a union?" "Was he the only applicant?" Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to affect your life." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all photograph?" no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in a good hundred miles off by now." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that trifles." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it subject to the trademark license, especially commercial to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "But you can know nothing of this?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "To the police?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads important." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the legal crime." "Do you go out much in society?" and effective." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Deserted you?" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to some other building. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was who was a member of your goose club." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone mystery may be cleared along those lines." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master during that time.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." It may be so in this case, also." "He said that you could solve anything." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "I cannot think." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom ourselves in the office." made him keep the appointment." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in in my life." main points of my analysis." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a get her out of the way." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of sufficient punishment." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to tackle the facts." towards the blaze. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Did your wife hear all this?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of British peeress.'" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me quite distinctive." "It is very kind of you." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and