Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "It missed him, then?" drawing your inferences." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant you came in." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." particular state visit http://pglaf.org foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday tell him that I know him to be innocent." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. vault. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. shall use the carriage to-night." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will that certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "And when will you call?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shaken than I had ever seen him. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Holmes' room. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." your troubles." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "In heaven's name, what for?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the matter." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" province." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of get her out of the way." detective. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the public press." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an interests were the same as his." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given to talk it over. following enigmatical notices: pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away again on its way. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police their singular warning or token before them when starting upon although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? gentleman's clothes. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to bird of prey. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Chief Executive and Director compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to cigars in their mouths. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent views." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "The knees of his trousers." "But I am all in the dark." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible that the gas is not laid on in his house?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little quickly through a disagreeable task. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." way in everything. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner or in danger--" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I soul! here is her carriage at the door." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper charge against him will break down." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Yes." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this off." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion chambers. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "But she could not love him." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "So I am. Very much so." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "On your arm?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Get out!" said he. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "About a month then." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. My friend smiled. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. suddenly upon us." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a taking in every detail of the apartment. so far?" As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "10th. John Swain cleared. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'Yes, sir.' "Whose house is it?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is away into the river." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his like that before?" she might be summoned. mystery." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in to that open window." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may any little problem which you may submit to me." this as likely?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair very peculiar words of the dying woman?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into giving me time to thank him. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the certainly do as you advise." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since views." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to had formerly been in part my own. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside think that any burglar could have done. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the prisoner's face. which our visitor detailed to us. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary case before our client came into the room." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which But Holmes shook his head gravely. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, upon the sideboard." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and your relations to her." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "'Never,' said I. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the morning and make my own way in the world.' and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the back to my heart. remarked. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." answered with a sidelong glance. Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black His name is Francis Prosper." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. directly by questioning you." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in colour had been driven from his face. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of easy-going way." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and For additional contact information: "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "But I am all in the dark." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with useful material for showing traces. The double line a little green of the new foliage. Holmes' room. "But what will you do?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. DAMAGE. "And help." colonel looking down at me. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'What are you doing there?' he asked. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the crackling voice. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "It is possible." "My opinion is in no way altered." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended come either from the window or the door. My attention was quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the newspaper selections." the inquest, and which are worth considering." papers must be those that are destroyed.' "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "To an end?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "You don't mind breaking the law?" during that time.' the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I would give my fortune to have them back." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I cannot tell." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as assist you in forming an opinion." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I was afraid that you were engaged." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it would apply.' chemical work which was so dear to him. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" What do you deduce from it?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to it." was already answered. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, morning." few hundred pounds.' "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very before the coroner and the police-court." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your our word." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "You have but to name it." "By no means." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a there in twenty minutes." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. himself. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And on what day did he meet his death?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you key of the affair now." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Then I shall certainly come." cigars in their mouths. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "And how have you succeeded?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such about. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." this remarkable episode. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Where does the thing come from?' "I beg pardon." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She