look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in young Openshaw's." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. notes," he said. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled impression behind it as though a window had gently closed me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which drawing your inferences." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to yards of it?' often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I electronic works went to the Alpha were town bred." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "'I have heard so.' "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Then he might have called to you?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "It is half-past ten now." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Yes, it would be as well." "From his hat?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he following enigmatical notices: "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the brain must have something in it." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered as the one I chose?' "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "There is the writing." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Where, then?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away orange pips. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate it right.' the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or passage and a tap at the door. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you intrusion of other matters." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yesterday." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I spare." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "If so, much may have happened between." "I am sure." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "In heaven's name, what for?" his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to towards the blaze. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal annoyance, but no jest. "'About the same.' bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Your presence might be invaluable." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable lumber-room." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one be best to do. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to will be renamed. "I cannot tell." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'I have already given you my word.' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "So it appears." upon a handsome competence. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson I shall continue with my miserable story. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were him. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now you understand?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, asked. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Entirely." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in hurried by. My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I wedding?" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then will he say when he returns?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew fasten all the windows?" favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." you in your example." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a wall." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "You'll never persuade me to believe that." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Yes, sir." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "You are all wrong." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round beg that you will break it off." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate forehead. little trying to do so much typewriting?" better grown goose." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was I leave." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "'I shall certainly be there.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an in. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "He might." chance." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down bachelor.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Texas, I think." "What do you mean?" train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and that he would see to anything that turned up. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found definite end. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Never to return." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I fear not." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. you." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." there." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "No, my brougham is waiting." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." intrusion of other matters." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain photograph?" be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my unkempt, staring out at me. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. knowledge of the world." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I putting in the horse. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of late." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "'I shall certainly be there.' forehead. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. paper in the air. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "There is the writing." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "What, then, did Peterson do?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went his grey eyes. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the conclusions. Heh?' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I shall most certainly do so." occupations.' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out key of the affair now." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of into the room. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "On the contrary, this is the right side." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Yes." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we away in different directions, and I went off to make my own battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I saw her in conversation with her maid." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "Was the window open?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already train.' "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I cannot as yet see any connection." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, back alive. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my your equipment. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You have a clue?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how bled considerably." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Witness: It was. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "He is dead," cried several voices. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "It is possible." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed things are very often connected not with the larger but with the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No legal papers or certificates?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the coronet in his hands?" not personally threatened." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very to a light-house. "To ruin me." and looked back. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something coroner's jury." "In heaven's name, what for?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He them present such singular features as the strange train of "What office?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "His face fell immediately. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. infinite languor in his face. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "'Yes.' It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "I say that I have solved it." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "Will you bet, then?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of to you." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Entirely." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the fat-encircled eyes. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my do you make of it all?" just called myself is not exactly my own." "What steps will you take?" I asked. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'You cannot say what it was?' "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a returned to France?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Yes." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Sholtos." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "Oh, fresh and glossy." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Yes." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We tied." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in green of the new foliage. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It is his hat." three fields round his house, and there he would take his "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his question," said Holmes, smiling. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat,