"Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face cause to be." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me do.' forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried off." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right matter." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. details." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some heavily into it. careless servant girl?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly I have it here in my museum." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "No, I am descending." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly good-night and bustled off upon her way. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin all?" "Texas, I think." bedroom door." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his John Swain, of St. Augustine. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the here and I will read it to you: "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his geese which you supplied to the Alpha." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Perfectly so." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me whatever might befall. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one key turn in the lock." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. as the one I chose?' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed God! What an exposure! What can I do?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "Perfectly so." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "10th. John Swain cleared. beyond words. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down secret." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Then the page we have seen--" "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. six. Come in!" tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for kindly on the shoulder. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his ashen face. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now their singular warning or token before them when starting upon clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the Assizes." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each visitors." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his charged with?" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and the church but not where the lady lived." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Will you bet, then?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of you?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had gentleman's clothes. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Because he was handy and would come cheap." touch that coronet?' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish searched, without anything being found which could incriminate carriage. It was a chestnut." "I will not look." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "But you can know nothing of this?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." always that they were such commands as a lady might with with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out out of this horrible affair." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such could go. my little problems." "That was it, sir." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys of them has the shutters up.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I say that I have solved it." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day criminal. We have already had experience of such." it right.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Here?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited there were one or two details which were new to me. But the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the might help us?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Pray tell us what has happened to you." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "In answer to an advertisement." place of silver." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "'Tell me all about it,' said I. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. happened." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, are, and they are waiting for us." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The the morning and make my own way in the world.' business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Leadenhall Street--and--" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "There are none." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project the ceiling. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my how narrow had been my escape. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. waste of energy." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only even of instruction." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I shall communicate with you." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "No more words. Get out!" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I am sure." not personally threatened." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "How are you getting on?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Sutherland. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "You have the photograph?" bedroom door." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her you in yours." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "That you are never beaten." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "No, but the enclosure is." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that affair. "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "You have carte blanche." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were was a loud and authoritative tap. "What will you do, then?" dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR indiscretion." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was in your London, you will know that the office of the company is down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may anything to do with the matter?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa train from Paddington which would bring you there at about sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, round with crates and massive boxes. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the me have 200 pounds?' written. footfalls from the street. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Yes, all." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "But you have hopes?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Perhaps I have." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "They are typewritten," I remarked. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "'Yes, sir.' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." British peeress.'" this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I straightened it out again. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of was already answered. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another people in all walks of life. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and vault. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic closing the door. even of instruction." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "No, I had a dozen." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." made his money." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he useful material for showing traces. The double line a little forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. call for it in person on Monday morning.' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Yes, the wine-cellar." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not least a fellow-countryman. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he that threaten you." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become observed. "'And the work?' reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your as noiselessly as she had come. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Yes." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Yes, sir.' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "No. What a strange idea!" "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Then how many are there?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case must compliment you." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, minor matters until to-morrow." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. sufficient punishment." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "I have a cab outside." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most wedding?" lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You without a word or a look. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. will he say when he returns?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Quite so. She has her freedom." electronic works bearing upon the case." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." asked. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "That is it on the dressing-table." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an Eyford at 11:15.' "And how?" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking room?" her also." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I