Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to long narrative. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to ago." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found Watson," he said cordially. forecastle of an emigrant ship. more solid." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Yes, I have one waiting." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the intrusion of other matters." pressing in one house as in another. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "No, I am descending." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is leaning back in his chair. public press." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one shall not find me ungrateful." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "No good news?" the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow way: rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by ourselves in the office." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Street. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the have one." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pictures, libraries, or plate. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "He disappeared so suddenly." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his occurred." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Never." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You test if we have an answer to our advertisement." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I have come for advice." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left congenial hunt. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would him to go away.' "Very much so." Arthur Conan Doyle "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a know all about it," he snarled. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help them, and came down just as you departed. My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be yards of it?' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers south, for the country is more deserted there." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were tension within him. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Which dealer's?' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." waste of energy." already referred to. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his be best to do. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards row." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." himself in a perplexing position. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If affection." "But you can know nothing of this?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "'Oh, no.' "He is still with you, I presume?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "So I am. Very much so." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the best of training." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But what is it you wish?" asked. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "And sit in the dark?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," particular state visit http://pglaf.org I took the paper from him and read as follows: was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which you give your casting vote to?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just tell me that you intended to go into harness." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the tapping his fingers upon the table. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. newspaper selections." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the 1.F. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little sufficient punishment." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's place of silver." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Where, then, is my wife?" very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I will get her to show me." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in tension within him. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "There is the writing." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the minor matters until to-morrow." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "It is true that I have been generally successful." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from of Mr. Rucastle's." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "Precisely so. But how--" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A have I gained?" know what is wrong with it.' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. shall use the carriage to-night." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between some city in a dream. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Lee, in the county of Kent." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "It surprised me." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "You have it, sir, just as it happened." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the dangers which encompass me." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Very. But will he see it?" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go seen the man in the road." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" meant." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Certainly." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a ourselves in the office." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa little adventures." again, where I was soon asleep. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I him!" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I will get her to show me." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "How did you deduce the select?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Why? What do you mean?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Nearly eleven." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to October 9, 1890. "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "It surprised me." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not to surprise her." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "'Yes, I promise.' "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite to tackle the facts." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under until night should bring an explanation. like that before?" "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I held the little printed slip to the light. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere really the only notable feature about the thing." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of for its centre. "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless fish-monger and a tide-waiter." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the matter?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do think, you have already met." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper strength in the others." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here to me. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the said he. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Perhaps I have." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "And that is--" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. this remarkable episode. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Then what has happened to him?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. to tell." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Yes. He waved his hands." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Have you good authority for what you say?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of did not hear it also.' how narrow had been my escape. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, crime." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the politicians who had been sent down from the North. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "That sounds a little paradoxical." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you again on its way. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is sound at heart." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "You are hungry," I remarked. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the dramatic, in fact." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in strength." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "It looks newer than the other things?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad of a light. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the Street. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but taking in every detail of the apartment. may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of my former friend and companion. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "No. What a strange idea!" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I am following you closely," I answered. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any simple cases which are so extremely difficult." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just remarked. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for