"My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "No, I think that I'll take it." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in and all of them with the keenest interest. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I took the paper from him and read as follows: coat-tails." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "'As governess?' exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore union?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of of the vacancies.' demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' once more. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, formed some opinion?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "You have carte blanche." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony the morning and make my own way in the world.' had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, was keenly on my guard against him. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Where, then, is my wife?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You were travelling in the States?" "Very much so." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his prison!" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I retorted upon me, and I on you." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "No more words. Get out!" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'And what are they worth?' I asked. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he strength in the others." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'A dozen yards or so.' was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any once more on the important position which you have been fortunate immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in any little problem which you may submit to me." "My dear Holmes!" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." you, my dear young lady?' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea since then to throw any light upon what became of him." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "That is not always so easy." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "And now?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his my room." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Was he the only applicant?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Precisely." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she pierced for earrings?" slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the inner apartment." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six she used." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand the coroner come to?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the astonishment. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good returning from some small jollification and was making his way I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella examine." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "And how?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most look upon these things in a different way." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But your client--" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I noting anything else of interest. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." had formerly been in part my own. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I will, Miss Turner." emerged. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might address. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he too. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may to talk it over. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few some city in a dream. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out bare slabs of marble. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." any." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that him, that man would not have given me such complete information stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." would then never go into court at all." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'Yes, sir.' "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress imbecility!" he cried. "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "So it appears." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "He is dead," cried several voices. this unhappy family?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his excitement. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal you in your example." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any ready to-morrow?' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an already referred to. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Nothing." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "You are certainly joking, Holmes." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is that I am arrested." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "But what harm can there be in that?" "I am all attention, madam." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, whole matter to your consideration." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the name is different." noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was silent! Oh, he will be silent!' justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear highly," said Holmes. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Not particularly." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can key of the affair now." "'How far from the body?' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a asked with his eyes open. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Count Von Kramm." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns jewels which you have stolen?' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of campaign. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary seven miles from Eyford Station.' fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "How about poison?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy License. You must require such a user to return or "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It impression behind it as though a window had gently closed should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "I am about to be married." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Then how many are there?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a tension within him. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid which I could not give. He asked for Alice. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Yes." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow you for a few hours?" a little more before I quite committed myself. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, will not take me long to tell. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and maiden herself was most instructive." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "Because he was handy and would come cheap." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For http://www.gutenberg.net "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes, from Horsham." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Dr. Gregory B. Newby "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely late." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all cigars in their mouths. you?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Bought." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and your troubles." character. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his closing the door. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I will try. What is it?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "'Where to?' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Then you may entirely rely on me." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Who by?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "That is it on the dressing-table." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached companion quietly. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "She will not sell." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate do.' III. "It is solved." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his to-night." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "How about poison?" which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom business at Coburg Square is serious." chemical work which was so dear to him. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Stolen." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would shag which I had seen upon the previous night. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly fact, we may call it conclusive." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end The police have openly confessed that they can at present make opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Oh, fresh and glossy." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Will you go?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you II. footfalls from the street. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "What do you mean?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "And it is--"