therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "The Cedars?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." look upon these things in a different way." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "He said that you could solve anything." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the salesman. who was a member of your goose club." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, tail." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in little adventures." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, companion quietly. look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as address. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty in the hope of finding them." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or the loss of it. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "One horse?" interjected Holmes. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I yet." in the dead of the night?' from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or was a loud and authoritative tap. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "How many? I don't know." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "My Mary? Impossible!" "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in away to you." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's putting in the horse. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "I beg pardon." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between is worth.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Were they all fastened this morning?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." like that before?" not personally threatened." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still you do it in twenty minutes!' companion imperturbably. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than morning." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike father's place of business?" paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "The Coroner: What do you mean? Miss Holder?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Did you become engaged then?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "It was a confession," I ejaculated. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most that, and I came down." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Where did you address your letters, then?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Yes, certainly." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and the window, rose as we entered. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole chill to my heart. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard face and glided from the room. there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'I have already given you my word.' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." was used.' room. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "What will you say?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Who by?" many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an to take care of herself." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "What! a murderous attack?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" you, my dear young lady?' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! notes," he said. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may enter into my head. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "How often?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him that threaten you." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after me. You must get home instantly and act." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "The landlord of the Alpha." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and sake, don't!" "You think that he is dead?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Why? What do you mean?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "No." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which learned something! Where are the gems?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." photograph?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy not within a twentieth part of the market price." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the room while you explain this matter?" "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'Certainly,' I answered. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had asked with his eyes open. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit approach us with offers to donate. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "That sounds a little paradoxical." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems distinguish the words: answered with a sidelong glance. this as likely?" few hundred pounds.' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others most interesting one." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental six. Come in!" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal II. away into the river." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the which we had just quitted. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and page at http://pglaf.org "I cannot imagine." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had leaning back in his chair. "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a she has been waylaid. There has been no result." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the foot. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the way: coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "What then?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his mystery may be cleared along those lines." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram of the one which your family is now devouring." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "To the police?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the away into the river." hardly wander." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was me where it went to?" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There to talk it over. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "By no means." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my call you and give you the chance." gentleman's clothes. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was national property. I was determined that the law should have its chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may burst out into a roar of laughter. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Why did you beat the pavement?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." breakfast?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as fact, we may call it conclusive." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open has little to do with my story." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. and effective." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "But you were on a friendly footing?" seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt directors, with the result that you have seen." criminal. We have already had experience of such." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the tragedy. "An accident, I presume?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I to a more successful conclusion." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, woven round him. "I am armed." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the coronet at all injured?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "I will do it." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, fait accompli?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "We must have a cab." go back?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't papers on the sundial.'" "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "What!" he roared. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a that, and I came down." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "It looks newer than the other things?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. have I gained?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' married her." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this place no limit on the sum I may draw." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two with some details as to your case." "What will you say?" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "No?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "And from a noble client?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Seven!" I answered. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was leaning back in his chair. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger through." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. said he. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was less than 26s. 4d. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "I saw her in conversation with her maid." I leave." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Have you good authority for what you say?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed how narrow had been my escape. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his I approached. "You horrify me." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste one of them." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "The King of Scandinavia." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I have seen the police." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from