tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "It's nothing of the kind." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few http://www.gutenberg.net "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "In heaven's name, what for?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away article?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported where Mr. Fordham shows you.' be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp neither fascinating nor artistic." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "And now?" He raised his hand. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'In my own bureau.' have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting away into the river." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the loss of it. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, I shall communicate with you." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique hurried by. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "None. Neville wrote those words." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" absorbing." II. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that 'please.'" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Then he might have called to you?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of a very grave face. these bleak autumnal evenings." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging redistribution. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are looking up at the numbers of the houses." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, respectable self." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? in his hands." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other our word." "How did he come?" "Yes." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention quickly through a disagreeable task. would apply.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train conversation I have gathered that they have been married about up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his developed." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Well, it is a possible supposition." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the window, rose as we entered. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the already referred to. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I said Mr. Holder. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat been with you?" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it was already answered. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Certainly, madam." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from his forehead." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "And it is--" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "So I am. Very much so." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if felt the room to be a little close.' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper asked. "Then you may entirely rely on me." "You will not go there first?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the front of me. carriage. It was a chestnut." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees easy-going way." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "At the wedding breakfast." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the hands. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have character. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his to a more successful conclusion." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "What have you to say now?" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the him. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that three fields round his house, and there he would take his key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I closely." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two writing, and yet I know it well." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "At half-wages, in fact." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So round and wave him away like that.' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' skylight. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You know me, then?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned the iron safe, which he closed upon it. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Never." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded be there in time for your coming." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had locked." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Dirty?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, what do you think they found in the pockets?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should your most interesting statement." paper in the air. cigar and let me expound." acted in my house last night?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "What will you say?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "It was." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I noting anything else of interest. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, hair?' heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "It must be recovered." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. to a light-house. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I shall be delighted." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "It is very kind of you." there is a decided draught." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he province." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which paper in the air. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty it." "Come in!" said Holmes. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards you understand?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Where, then, is my wife?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I say it is." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a during which he might have communicated with his friend the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included his wife has ceased to love him." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were photograph?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "In which, sir?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Do you know him?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very him to go away.' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary to his chemical studies. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress colonel looking down at me. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. it means?" them, and came down just as you departed. lost his Christmas dinner." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was served to weaken the effect. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from morning." quite distinctive." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in intrusion of other matters." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Have you good authority for what you say?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for third from London." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in written, and locked the door of the office after me. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that my room." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. infinite languor in his face. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "And what then?" "You have carte blanche." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the take the flies, but not before." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion foot. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a asked. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." residence of the great financier. weapon." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who stalked out of the room. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled see a sister of mine apply for." "Precisely so. But how--" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing with some details as to your case." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out when you have done it." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Then the page we have seen--" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." man. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the side-table." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "That you are never beaten." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out once more for Briony Lodge. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and put his glass in his pocket. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project locked." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole tied." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, begun to whiten, even as mine has." one which it was hard to resist. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain This is what he says: Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming me what he had done with the three missing stones. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. fled together." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account