"Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "You were travelling in the States?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "On your arm?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was late!' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each putting in the horse. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official some terrible trap for her." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double off." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Then, as to money?" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I cannot say that I have." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Then I can wait in the next room." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we tension within him. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the get her out of the way." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, more terrible than the truth. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I against a man in the prime of life?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she introspective fashion. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I passage and a tap at the door. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! used to be." What do you deduce from it?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "That is easily got." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and affair. happened." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I went to the Alpha were town bred." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal matter over." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the is now desirous of getting those letters back." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of daring than any effort of the imagination." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I promise," said Holmes. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "'Quite sure, dad.' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in south, for the country is more deserted there." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of man. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "No, I think that I'll take it." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, hour?' the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" him." "Dr. Becher's." During two years I have had three consultations and one small had no one to advise her at such a crisis." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." beg that you will break it off." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and all of them with the keenest interest. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who into the room. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, were unconscious?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we purpose of examination. "Quite so. She has her freedom." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "You horrify me!" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will and put his glass in his pocket. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I papers." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And you don't know his address?" cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. despaired of." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I do." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of fine shops and stately business premises that they really signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your there." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to him." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It's nothing of the kind." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Precisely so. But how--" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "No, but the enclosure is." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Yesterday." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was said I. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "'Certainly not.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered records." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur nothing of it?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking with the outside air!" "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he him." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I posted to-day." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "But you were on a friendly footing?" delirious. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were six. Come in!" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the beg that you will break it off." Sutherland. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would views." guilty parties." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "I beg pardon." formed some opinion?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning think, you have already met." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" was not a bird to be seen there. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER tassel actually lying upon the pillow. views." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But minor matters until to-morrow." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have them?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few away to you." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "And how did you verify them?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Yes. He waved his hands." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "How many? I don't know." "Yes, all." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "And what did you see?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." least a most suspicious remark." my special province." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business intrusion of other matters." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "What will you say?" the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I say that I have solved it." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Cross for the Continent." "My own seal." them, and came down just as you departed. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove married her." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second are windows in it, of course?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, your bag." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Absolutely none." "Then how many are there?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite trying to your nerves." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all chance." "He might." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get questioning and rather startled gaze. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Of what?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and look upon these things in a different way." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost have accepted such a situation. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, province." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Was there a secret marriage?" Chief Executive and Director bearing upon the case." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock rat could hardly pass through." London for the present?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. Munro.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the child." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her 11:15.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it feature." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must it right.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring guilty parties." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "But what will you do?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "What then?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the running down." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "No." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical considering the formidable letters which were received by himself not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. a very grave face. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried