over part of the map. "What do you read?" main points of my analysis." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us deduce something from that?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." think, you have already met." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "It must be recovered." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "The knees of his trousers." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "And I say east," said my patient. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, your sleep?' quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "But he might be a bachelor." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Oh, yes, easily." "He said that you could solve anything." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who information in his hands the value of which he did not himself of the efforts of the United States government and of the better simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very than was visible to me." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "I am armed." British peeress.'" through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "My opinion is in no way altered." o'clock is it?" "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Did your wife hear all this?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were said I. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "I will do it." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Doctor, of the paper and the date." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "By train from Waterloo." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head in this note: arrangements." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very writing, and yet I know it well." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "You think that he is dead?" of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in crowd. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The letters?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when he bowed and left the room without another word. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, the side-table." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "That is it on the dressing-table." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about records." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I shall be delighted." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which leaning back in his chair. come either from the window or the door. My attention was "No, distinctly professional." "Why, what do you mean?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "To the police?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." in his power. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fear." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide once more on the important position which you have been fortunate bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not for securing the situation." him nearly every evening." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. McCarthy's innocence. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "What then?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another straighten it?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Project Gutenberg-tm works. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Yes." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he crowd. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' chamber." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. question," said Holmes, smiling. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Dr. Becher's." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and amused." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "My dear Holmes!" look dissatisfied." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the before, for it was considerably after midnight. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they You can understand that this register and diary may implicate note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong appeal." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a newspaper selections." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to very old mansion. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to have one." "'Yes.' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking dramatic, in fact." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, any more." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and a very grave face. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich promised to bring home. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this business?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting voice, changing her seat as requested. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, been shamefully used." a very grave face. "May I see it?" tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "Very truly yours, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Absolutely none." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that some mystery and the punishment of some crime." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you gbnewby@pglaf.org chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and friends, not even his own brother. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and I am not easy in my mind about them." cost them two and thirty pounds." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing lost his Christmas dinner." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "The knees of his trousers." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one The telegram which we eventually received came late one night now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I will not look." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to his wife has ceased to love him." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "A call for help, you thought?" you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "How on earth--" "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he envelope. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on door?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Do you know him?" "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our information in his hands the value of which he did not himself the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Then I do not see the point." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to few hundred pounds.' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Never,' said I. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, would apply.' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried did not hear it also.' impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "How are you getting on?" coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she fishes. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that asked with his eyes open. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little sofa. This way, please!" ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any other lovers by making love himself." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yes, all." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "At what time?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped remarked. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that minor matters until to-morrow." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "That you are never beaten." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," III. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I guessed as much." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears you?" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" all-comprehensive glances. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than here and I will read it to you: "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat is four-and-twenty." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, asked. "'Then let me do so?' "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you washing it down with a long draught of water. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn IS "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'How far from the body?' more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home went to the Alpha were town bred." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, opened the door, and slipped through. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. to have that photograph." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "I have my revolver," said I. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put lamp in his hand. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "No, finished." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the kind enough to tell me what I should do." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend secret." "Why serious?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Is he quiet?" villagers almost as much as their master. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some my friend's incisive reasoning. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera standing smiling on the door-step. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid note?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Yes, but only for you and me." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Yes." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. read it out to me." may have an influence upon European history." "Were they all fastened this morning?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest,