sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, second window is the one that I jumped from." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "That was it, sir." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In society." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Very much so." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and with her." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. emerged. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "He disappeared so suddenly." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right perplexity from it to my illustrious client. followed. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried had formerly been in part my own. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my very old mansion. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Literary Archive Foundation "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Certainly." the inner apartment." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, once more. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest some water from a caraffe. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening prepare for the new role I have to play." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Precisely." 11:15.' brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase for securing the situation." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded individual and becomes the badge of a society." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate been with you?" read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to You want to know what became of those geese?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Then you may entirely rely on me." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Her father is very rich?" make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert see a sister of mine apply for." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the Assizes." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man with you alone." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Have you good authority for what you say?" through." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the date of his supposed suicide." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his quickly through a disagreeable task. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "At half-wages, in fact." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the beg that you will break it off." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would newspaper selections." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. should be taken.' have one." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "You will not go there first?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Literary Archive Foundation exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. better in every way that they should make their position a little conclusions. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of character. "And that is--" them, and came down just as you departed. which our visitor detailed to us. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up you?' over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an wedding?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Perfectly so." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge photograph?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated gigantic client. electronic works this Miss Turner." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the child." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands is worth.' Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we at my own good fortune. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having any." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "He is dead," cried several voices. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." excitement. "Quite so." "And the cigar-holder?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Thank you. And your address?" should be so warm over such a trifle." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those matter." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, pierced for earrings?" "And for present expenses?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling meanly of me." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a depend upon your compliance." "Will you go?" was a perfect sample of the class. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "None. Neville wrote those words." been able to understand it, in a very few words. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the down. "Was he the only applicant?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "About a month then." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I saw her in conversation with her maid." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was little adventures." telegram would bring me down to your help." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Never,' said I. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send do." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Where, then, is my wife?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Then I do not see the point." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was a loud and authoritative tap. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as his huge brown hands. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no my little problems." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been with you?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they along the entire front of the house, with three long windows blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Then you may be so with me." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried my former friend and companion. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "How on earth--" "Have you her photograph?" least a fellow-countryman. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions like gravel from a pit.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Tired-looking or fresh?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. to have been novel and of interest." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "What then?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this James Windibank. Voilà tout!" saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: off." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at than was visible to me." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and roused himself from his reverie. "I don't say that. Perhaps." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm outside. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the station." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue is," said he presently: sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "How did that help you?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but James Windibank. Voilà tout!" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage room?" you." if I call to-morrow?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "But what is it you wish?" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at opportunities to fix the problem. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could burst out into a roar of laughter. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin impression behind it as though a window had gently closed seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Then, how do you know?" "Entirely." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought a little more before I quite committed myself. "Yes." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. the morning and make my own way in the world.' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and memory. crime. "Precisely." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you for a few hours?" "What, then?" "No." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he gives a meaning to it." "It is no ordinary one." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without place of silver." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the new duties?' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything I approached. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and kindly on the shoulder. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a note?" case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be good for you to do.' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the so.' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "What then?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, think that he is innocent?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much peculiar to him. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both it with his own hands." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to me where it went to?" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their note?" "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You will not go there first?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting The note was undated, and without either signature or address. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "The gentleman I describe." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten interest. They are important, you understand, without being own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the