daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want him and tried to hold him back. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He indiscretion." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in cigar and let me expound." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'And what salary do you ask?' "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you that stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and the church but not where the lady lived." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and there!' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience my room." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second yards of it?' Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Was your sister dressed?" tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Where, indeed?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "The doctor?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. could go. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, mystery!" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to the nursery. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I am still in the dark." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. telegram would bring me down to your help." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact you." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while will he say when he returns?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door matter." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of writer." "'Where to?' that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case he. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but conduct the inquiry." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been London for the present?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, such attractions and accomplishments?' one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" purpose equally well?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort newspaper selections." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess http://gutenberg.net/license). freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "My Mary? Impossible!" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the particular state visit http://pglaf.org to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat outside. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "How on earth--" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "That is easily got." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and too. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the ceiling. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the see me here to avoid scandal." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Dr. Gregory B. Newby have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his ready to-morrow?' "Has he come with you to-night?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found overpowering excitement and concern. where she found matters as described by the last witness. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "May I see it?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." photograph?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was not fit the lock." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My fled together." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than your own bird, so if you wish--" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my get her out of the way." "My dear Holmes!" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it skylight. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more redistribution. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "Which are?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I entirely lost his self-respect." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': lids now and glanced across at his visitor. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "What, then, did Peterson do?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa what I may call a really hard day's work." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the business?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you to you." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found client, rising. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Pray do so." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "She showed me, as I told you she would." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured sooner or later she must fall a victim. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "That is not always so easy." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Then let me do so?' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Was there a secret marriage?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of said he, "my real name is James Ryder." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to even of instruction." "A client, then?" Chief Executive and Director "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "What have you to say now?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Nothing." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'Certainly not. But why?' here and I will read it to you: these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for my little problems." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he least a most suspicious remark." "I answered that I had not. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "What! a murderous attack?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are fasten all the windows?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered some city in a dream. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. purpose of examination. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when just called myself is not exactly my own." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed to-night's adventure." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There himself to hunt down. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your room?" "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "It is very kind of you." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got his cane at the bell-pull. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to row." "But his left-handedness." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where be.' politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You have carte blanche." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a fattened it expressly for you.' "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "What can it mean?" I gasped. dear old homesteads?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that once more. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who look dissatisfied." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'Certainly not.' the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "I cannot imagine." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "An enemy?" I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by writer." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him remarked. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to again before evening." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Precisely so. But how--" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "The best possible." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple chemical work which was so dear to him. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. matters immensely." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "But she could not love him." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." second." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Literary Archive Foundation call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Holmes." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the him, that man would not have given me such complete information triumphant cloud from his cigarette. business." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the all-comprehensive glances. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his in a very precise fashion." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your charged with?" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and forecastle of an emigrant ship. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "What! You do not mean bodies?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the fashion which was peculiar to him. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much them present such singular features as the strange train of married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "And who is her maid?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain and the whole place is in a blaze." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Not particularly." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "I came to find a friend." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say true." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, and I shall be with you presently." "It was."