"You are hungry," I remarked. written, and locked the door of the office after me. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the ceiling. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "By no means." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of views." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is you do it in twenty minutes!' his face which made him a very different person to the round, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. http://gutenberg.net/license). toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "How did you trace it, then?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me open." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I John Swain, of St. Augustine. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left allusion to a rat. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Oh, no.' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging which are rolled in Rotterdam." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly reach." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice and the whole place is in a blaze." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the redistribution. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Quite so. She has her freedom." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "'Certainly not. But why?' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Not I." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason him and tried to hold him back. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with go from here to the Strand." "The Cedars?" "Upon what point?" habit of advancing money.' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the ceiling. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, washing it down with a long draught of water. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, forebodings. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters young Openshaw's." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to his chemical studies. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Certainly, madam." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." orange pips. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way companion. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "In what way?" asked Holmes. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from the running down." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love works. there!' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' upon an income of about 60 pounds." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and directors, with the result that you have seen." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'Stolen!' he cried. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Awake, Watson?" he asked. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Yes, it was gone.' And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Arthur Conan Doyle "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go in his hands." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Yes, all." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." tapping his fingers upon the table. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not meanly of me." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I next day. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's the Red-headed League." touch that coronet?' beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "But your client--" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting of Mr. Rucastle's." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "And how have you succeeded?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with easy-going way." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. meant it for the best. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole emerged. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" father's young wife. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "The landlord of the Alpha." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the inner apartment." in his hands." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience soul! here is her carriage at the door." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do strength of mind to control. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Why did you pick him?" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the such attractions and accomplishments?' "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. records." will be renamed. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that front of the hall door has given its name to the place. man. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant she has been waylaid. There has been no result." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Yes, I promise.' "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having sooner or later she must fall a victim. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began investigation." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'Yes, it was gone.' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Stoke Moran." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. will he say when he returns?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. your sleep?' purpose of examination. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting I shall communicate with you." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "He said that you could solve anything." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. or other trace. But how on earth--" however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he criminal. We have already had experience of such." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and just called myself is not exactly my own." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. records." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when not personally threatened." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." your sleep?' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We wedding?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Then I can wait in the next room." bill, which interests me deeply." the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my then?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in highroad, where all traces were lost. article?" Holmes' room. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." go--none." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features think you a quite exceptional woman." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Has he come with you to-night?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." villagers almost as much as their master. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the it means?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' ways including including checks, online payments and credit card called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. if I call to-morrow?" "I was mad--insane." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he seven miles from Eyford Station.' quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news appeal." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and not within a twentieth part of the market price." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Perfectly so." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to and the colonel ushered me in. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "The best possible." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a during that time.' nonsense.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "You think that he is dead?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "An accident, I presume?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "And how did he make his money?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "The landlord of the Alpha." "When did it break out?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Heh?' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of did not hear it also.' "He slept on the premises." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Has he come with you to-night?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can your sleep?' "Ten will be early enough." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when conduct the inquiry." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the the stable lane now." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in that there was nothing in it, after all." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you London for the present?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents go from here to the Strand." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "By train from Waterloo." to a light-house. one which it was hard to resist. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and went to the Alpha were town bred." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to some other building. any more." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will the side-table." "And on what day did he meet his death?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. ashen face. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway peculiar to him. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Here?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Your presence might be invaluable." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four comes from the middle window." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "She showed me, as I told you she would." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Indeed! Whose, then?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, shoulder. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "To the police?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The is four-and-twenty." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however,