and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the crowd. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "From his hat?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "But how?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to present strange and interesting features that it is no easy has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a thirty. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed which was all perfectly true. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Clair, of Lee." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in had this final quarrel? cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At appointment with me for six o'clock?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a had died away into the silence from which it rose. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'Very good.' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "If I can be of use." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "No, I am descending." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "What can it mean?" I gasped. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Come in!" said Holmes. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "From his hat?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Yes." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I even of instruction." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, into the bag, and made for the door. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Countess of Morcar's?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you charge against him will break down." of Fenchurch Street." Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I do." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Seven!" I answered. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it strength." "Did you become engaged then?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which future lives." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." that threaten you." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Well, some hundreds of times." fled together." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of status with the IRS. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Is he quiet?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "I am following you closely," I answered. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think little adventures." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and your co-operation." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "What shall I do?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. have not had my rubber." there." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the me. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found case before our client came into the room." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "10th. John Swain cleared. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could approach us with offers to donate. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms out of this horrible affair." cause to be." the date of his supposed suicide." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Were they all fastened this morning?" should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Yes, certainly." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "And help." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the driver. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as me have 200 pounds?' evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a hair?' solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "And why in hopes?" in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Married! When?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," here and I will read it to you: B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try of the way of danger. "No." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed brandy and water within his reach. "Oh, yes, easily." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I am not easy in my mind about them." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "No more words. Get out!" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from through." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'Yes, sir.' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "The Cedars?" examine." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Never to return." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Has he come with you to-night?" little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have of a light. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of Fenchurch Street." "Yes." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few tear off another piece?' south, for the country is more deserted there." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Yes, sir." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I would give my fortune to have them back." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect affection." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must IS "Can I be of assistance?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." everything which you would wish to know." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, all?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you away in different directions, and I went off to make my own his knees, staring into the fire. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "You have carte blanche." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is name is different." what do you think they found in the pockets?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his retorted upon me, and I on you." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have distinguish the words: 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might look dissatisfied." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Yes, from Horsham." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Certainly." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see questioning and rather startled gaze. writing, and yet I know it well." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar prepare for the new role I have to play." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the driver. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the dangers which encompass me." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they digesting their breakfasts at home." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest Farm upon the left." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Absolutely?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Is he quiet?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "An accident, I presume?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to stepfather?" which our visitor detailed to us. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Holmes' face clouded over. "But you have hopes?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my maiden herself was most instructive." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point could not account in any way for the presence of the missing took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no a few minutes he said that it would be all right. all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I think that I had better go, Holmes." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I should wish to." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, your Highness to the police-station?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great is worth.' "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' window when the police appeared." Henry Baker is a member." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "It's nothing of the kind." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily is now desirous of getting those letters back." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to even of instruction." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" miles off. maid will bring up your coffee." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a nothing of it?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than were new raised from a basin. into the room. nights." Again Holmes raved in the air. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his written, and locked the door of the office after me. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." which we had just quitted. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Certainly." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Perhaps we may make them less so." during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I am to be neutral?" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "'And the work?' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a villagers almost as much as their master.