in this note: papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Pray do so." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already second window is the one that I jumped from." hardly wander." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining call the police, let the police find what they can.' began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left it with his own hands." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a hard-headed British jury." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to depend upon your compliance." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "None." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could fait accompli?" with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "'Never.' constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It missed him, then?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and Munro.' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, goes." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Will you go?" along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "How did you trace it, then?" used to be." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Well, it is a possible supposition." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Yes." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace kindly on the shoulder. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the three of the beryls in it, was missing. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite think that he is innocent?" iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Can I be of assistance?" peculiar to him. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington roused himself from his reverie. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather business came to an end." down. "Well." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed voice. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was extraordinary contortions. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "I assure you that I am in your hands." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "'It is locked up,' I answered. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "No." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I beg pardon." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting matters immensely." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "How long did she speak to this Alice?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he his cane at the bell-pull. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It at my remark. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have do you make of it all?" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and your own bird, so if you wish--" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Holmes." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? prove to be little relation between the different incidents of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic appointment with me for six o'clock?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "But to whom?" "Frequently." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we him nearly every evening." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a plantation.' "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Mary, has deserted me." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hopeless attempt at recovering them." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. skylight. "'Is purely nominal.' absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." as this. Pray let me have the details." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family noble correspondent could be. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, when you have done it." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the of the one which your family is now devouring." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him fish-monger and a tide-waiter." seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Only as much as we can deduce." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson became a certainty. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking forebodings. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable what is your own theory as to what took place?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Here?" he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the bled considerably." "At half-wages, in fact." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Not particularly." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. them, and came down just as you departed. "I have a cab outside." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary arrangements." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I despair." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "At half-wages, in fact." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, it would be as well." "'I shall certainly be there.' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the brandy and water within his reach. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is letters?" jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "That is possible." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any and inquire as to the address." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out cost them two and thirty pounds." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if reach." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round figure." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said chamber." call for it in person on Monday morning.' Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "It is true that I have been generally successful." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others recover the gem." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the inner apartment." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Here?" "Is he quiet?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she despaired of." "Yes, but only for you and me." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the room while you explain this matter?" "Why did you pick him?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father asked. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. important." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any been." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country fishes. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "And now?" He raised his hand. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his Countess of Morcar's?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "What! a murderous attack?" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly young Openshaw's." Watson," he said cordially. crime. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." neither fascinating nor artistic." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to your only hope of safety." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Ah!" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet questionable one." "'Yes, I promise.' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and the ceiling. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I are, I think, all that we need." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the to you." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Surrey." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "'Certainly,' I answered. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Holmes. stood on the top of it. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried criminal. We have already had experience of such." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. was already answered. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And that is--" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, papers." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "How about poison?" he died? too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." foresight and the moral retrogression?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "No, thank goodness, she did not." she to prove their authenticity?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that his face which made him a very different person to the round, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Bought." gives a meaning to it." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Pray do so." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to mysterious end." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Now, then, what's the last entry?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "You have carte blanche." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that writers could invent nothing more crude." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." helping a boy to put up the shutters. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope during which he might have communicated with his friend the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at that you saw all that I did." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is that the gas is not laid on in his house?" lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue seen the man in the road." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "So I have heard." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to have established a very serious case against the son of the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed right! Sit down and let us talk it over." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Then how many are there?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "Which are?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "How are you getting on?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss this remarkable episode. and the church but not where the lady lived." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I have my revolver," said I. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Where, then, is my wife?" villagers almost as much as their master. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "When did she vanish, then?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of meanly of me." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "And how did he make his money?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." matter over." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her persecution?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in of." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its silent! Oh, he will be silent!' to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of events than those which have happened in my own family." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Come in!" said Holmes. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "There are none." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "The rest you will leave in our hands." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "And what then?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes results." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think,