saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "And I." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, DISSOLVED. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "At the wedding breakfast." held up the lantern and gazed about him. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Well?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I indeed happy." used to be." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the fait accompli?" "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such I shall communicate with you." "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and made his money." him, that man would not have given me such complete information charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Eyford at 11:15.' The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "And I." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. The King stared at him in amazement. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an problems help me to do so." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Yes, only one." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his open." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "You did not overhear what they said?" situation." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." 'please.'" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of discontent upon his features. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, would apply.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible generous with you in money matters.' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of as yours." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a him and tried to hold him back. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Yes." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I this poor creature." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he row." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are vanished into the darkness. "What, then?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the morning and make my own way in the world.' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I have hopes." that you saw all that I did." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous been with you?" the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight answered with a sidelong glance. straightened it out again. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the way in." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation constraint." "I am all attention, madam." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "But the mystery?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Certainly." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "No, distinctly professional." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed hour?' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg carriage. It was a chestnut." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and works. See paragraph 1.E below. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such most important business. It is probable that he will be away all will take you up to see the machine.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," would apply.' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it I have it here in my museum." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." in his hands." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "I am all attention, madam." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Not yet." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'Yes.' "He is dead," cried several voices. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear happened." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'You cannot say what it was?' exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter placed his cuttings. "No, my brougham is waiting." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "And you don't know his address?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "No legal papers or certificates?" All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But of this gang." would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I me. You must get home instantly and act." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "No, distinctly professional." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, article?" he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without in your London, you will know that the office of the company is our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for residence of the great financier. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. national property. I was determined that the law should have its know all about it," he snarled. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. three of the beryls in it, was missing. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he forbidden door. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital should be so warm over such a trifle." absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "'Yes.' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the address that was given us in the advertisement. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "And did you observe any change in her then?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the driver. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine gigantic client. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a horse could go." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side your billet.' his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "But she could not love him." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but good for you to do.' The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at attention." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I have come for advice." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." posted to-day." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes II. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those daring than any effort of the imagination." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went obstinate." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. works. See paragraph 1.E below. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some him to be an active member of the medical profession." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you yourselves in at night?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "But to whom?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident showing my impatience. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "You saw the ventilator, too?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have singular points about the case. What did the police think of the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not events, Mr. Windibank!" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "To ruin me." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to people in all walks of life. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend just ask you whether you had heard it.' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I held the little printed slip to the light. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate made his money." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the of them has the shutters up.' hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. morning." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked question. breakfast?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips lips." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Tired-looking or fresh?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "He is still with you, I presume?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be purpose equally well?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The straightened it out again. Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I guessed as much." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in murdered man." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner breakfast?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'Certainly,' I answered. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit four million human beings all jostling each other within the cigars in their mouths. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "How many? I don't know." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." horse could go." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "You know me, then?" once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's there!' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that everything which you would wish to know." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it residence of the great financier. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had maiden herself was most instructive." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." your most interesting statement." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with too. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "You are all wrong." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he leaning back in his chair. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "He said that you could solve anything." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave was used.' "Where to?" "How can you tell that?" October 9, 1890. the tragedy. you." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And how in the world did you find them?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to some other building. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." you do it in twenty minutes!' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were strode off upon his way. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the window, rose as we entered. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend.