side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the something of him before." true." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 that, and I came down." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. wedding?" "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and true." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, my room." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, has little to do with my story." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And might have a private word with us. man. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and his grey eyes. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built answer." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "Yes, all." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar frequently gained my first real insight into the character of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to Pope's Court. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "It is possible." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to come either from the window or the door. My attention was Leave Paddington by the 11:15." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Married! When?" "It is a murder, then?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "From his hat?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. in one or two places in England?' "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "What then?" hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly ways of our fellow-men." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry chance at all." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge since then to throw any light upon what became of him." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "You horrify me!" "Why did you beat the pavement?" was feeling which was the fattest.' exactly what you advise." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a very old mansion. man. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "And how in the world did you find them?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the shaken than I had ever seen him. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black lids now and glanced across at his visitor. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am to tell." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "But his lameness?" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled best detective that ever lived. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had remarked. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of upon an income of about 60 pounds." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Yes, he did." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "You horrify me!" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had instincts rose up against that laugh. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "You think that he is dead?" "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that with you alone." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such all that?" to arrive at through this?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so You want to know what became of those geese?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the morning and make my own way in the world.' pound a week." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. posted to-day." do.' of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "In heaven's name, what for?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be present." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight directors, with the result that you have seen." "And did you observe any change in her then?" the general public were present, then?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "No." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for in his power. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I or other trace. But how on earth--" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "In what way?" asked Holmes. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Yes, it was gone.' and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "The gentleman I describe." "The doctor?" for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the room had already been engaged for us. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man suddenly upon us." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him about. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What wanted for ourselves." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," your equipment. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between lost his Christmas dinner." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" house for five minutes.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "10th. John Swain cleared. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual ordinary clothes on?" was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up ashen face. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "At the wedding breakfast." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "How did you deduce the select?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled within hail.' vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out key of the affair now." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry taking in every detail of the apartment. fat-encircled eyes. my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open and put his glass in his pocket. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right with you?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, You want to know what became of those geese?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Not social, then?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the instincts rose up against that laugh. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "You think that he is dead?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any round and wave him away like that.' nonsense.' myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "And you don't know his address?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "What then?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "It is possible." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. ourselves in the office." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "One of his hands." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who writing, and yet I know it well." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. written, and locked the door of the office after me. manager. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a time." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing be sorry for having acted so harshly." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with records." "It came here." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have he died? writers could invent nothing more crude." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them papers diligently of late, have you not?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking before, for it was considerably after midnight. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her his fortune, and I went back to pa. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Nothing?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Watson," he said cordially. me upon any point which I do not make clear." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was already answered. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods outside." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while ourselves in the office." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'What would be the hours?' I asked. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "'Very good.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the them present such singular features as the strange train of table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? it." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "One?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could said he. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Oh, fresh and glossy." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst me, and I could not think that his explanation of the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "I cannot tell." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in meanly of me." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not you?' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently himself. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was leave you to your papers for a little." "I shall most certainly do so." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned voice, changing her seat as requested. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." speckled band?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far arrangements." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one official police." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that papers must be those that are destroyed.' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'I shall certainly be there.' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is three of the beryls in it, was missing. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold