standing smiling on the door-step. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Clair, of Lee." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in have an American origin." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I should like to see him very much." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "'Where could I find him?' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year third from London." "Stolen, then." recover the gem." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, at once, for I have only half an hour." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the writing, and yet I know it well." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Have you good authority for what you say?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already introspective fashion. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if to a more successful conclusion." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of wife's character?" "And when will you call?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to into the room. point in the dark hollow of his hand. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Thank you. Pray proceed." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. here." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "How many? I don't know." "The landlord of the Alpha." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and fattened it expressly for you.' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any is," said he presently: "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "How often?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "And for present expenses?" not personally threatened." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Thank you. And your address?" not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "No." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. occupations.' grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought weighed down with some great anxiety. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any conversation I have gathered that they have been married about course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "What do you make of that, Watson?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "Thank you. And your address?" information in his hands the value of which he did not himself from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Yes, from Horsham." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is to-night's adventure." presented more singular features than that which was associated an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the all that?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham footfalls from the street. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer strong reason behind." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Were they all fastened this morning?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" empty. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my if only as a check to my own memory." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "The rest you will leave in our hands." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been towards the blaze. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of a very grave face. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Ah!" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had most important business. It is probable that he will be away all direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was three fields round his house, and there he would take his of your young ladies.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very suddenly upon us." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, sparkled upon his finger. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help derbies." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no status with the IRS. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "'Yes, sir.' hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we look upon these things in a different way." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I cannot imagine." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her spare." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "And I say east," said my patient. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, heavily into it. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the helping a boy to put up the shutters. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "So I heard. You have him here?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "It is half-past ten now." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "But you can know nothing of this?" open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before row." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the obstinate." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" the house with me." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I have solved it." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "That was it, sir." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to late." is worth.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark where she found matters as described by the last witness. your equipment. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "And for present expenses?" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it tell me that you intended to go into harness." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that do.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter guilty one." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Mrs. Toller serenely. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and looked back. too. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "No legal papers or certificates?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Leave Paddington by the 11:15." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then wanted for ourselves." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Thank you. Pray proceed." quick march!" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since behind me. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. business." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "How on earth--" "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. are, and they are waiting for us." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all imbecility!" he cried. of the vacancies.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "We have tried and failed." at my own good fortune. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly to me. James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others followed. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he sufficient punishment." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. cigar and let me expound." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the are, and they are waiting for us." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "How did you trace it, then?" centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he taking in every detail of the apartment. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "They are typewritten," I remarked. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It said he. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is works. new acquaintance to Baker Street. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "May I see it?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do vanished into the darkness. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced despair." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Tired-looking or fresh?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and forehead. Holmes rather sternly. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I don't believe it." "No, my brougham is waiting." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Yes. He waved his hands." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the so-precious time, but come!' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Then how many are there?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the be.' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, families. Now for the facts. analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Again Holmes raved in the air. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies least a fellow-countryman. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. congratulate you again." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. upon the sideboard." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him very old mansion. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Pray let us have it, for all that." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "The doctor?" fatally injured? voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards,