"As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I was afraid that you were engaged." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of presume?" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were once more to my work. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, eavesdroppers?' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the morning and make my own way in the world.' has little to do with my story." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the stammered. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs way in." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. envelope. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "And you don't know his address?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. generous with you in money matters.' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. key of the affair now." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Then I am your man." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have door?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat country, and eventually married, without anyone having a on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable drawing your inferences." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes unkempt, staring out at me. "'Yes.' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still again on its way. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "How did he come?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy like gravel from a pit.' my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an said he. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the one as in the other." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Stoke Moran." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. existence." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, security.' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "In answer to an advertisement." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "And leave your case unfinished?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "Well." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I have solved it." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and is now desirous of getting those letters back." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "No." your billet.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She had no one to advise her at such a crisis." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Do you receive much company?" he asked. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. key turn in the lock." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its this truth that in these little records of our cases which you call the police, let the police find what they can.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Why did you pick him?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bird I ate is country bred." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in of your young ladies.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works appeal." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a dramatic, in fact." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' said he. always that they were such commands as a lady might with With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the persecution?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "You are hungry," I remarked. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place way in everything. Holmes." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "You have but to name it." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." everything which you would wish to know." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found astonishment. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. place of silver." vanished into the darkness. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in against a man in the prime of life?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some the roots. "I guessed as much." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very drove away. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still some city in a dream. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Oh, yes, easily." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I am sure." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would to have been novel and of interest." "Quite so." upon an income of about 60 pounds." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity morning." what do you think they found in the pockets?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what in a very precise fashion." Sutherland?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "BALLARAT." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for me where it went to?" bedroom door." spark where all is dark to me." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Sutherland?" lost his Christmas dinner." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are galvanised. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he ways including including checks, online payments and credit card At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Perfectly so." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "I would give my fortune to have them back." "Texas, I think." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, flock.' leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their begun to whiten, even as mine has." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook appeared upon the scene." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a could not have written that. It is the German who is so other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. forehead. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had cause to be." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where lumber-room." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled relief. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Why serious?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she at my remark. "Witness: Nothing definite. his grey eyes. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady sneer upon his pale face. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I recover the gem." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the bed, and you in that chair." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a putting in the horse. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it undoubtedly my uncle's." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "'Stolen!' he cried. "Yes." "What!" he roared. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. I leave." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever never will be, entirely cleared up. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when weary and pale-looking. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the intrusion of other matters." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, very old mansion. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "And you thought he was pulled back?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "It came here." run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten whereabouts. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the gone before you can get him to hospital." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Yes." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, back into the street. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to stammered. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Arthur Conan Doyle unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of meant it for the best. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "At what time?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I one of them." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my infinite languor in his face. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most breakfast and whispered something to her husband. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' conduct the inquiry." "But how did you gain them?" during that time.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of brain must have something in it." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "No legal papers or certificates?" brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "And now?" He raised his hand. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have papers diligently of late, have you not?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass than to us. must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Literary Archive Foundation waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I