smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Never." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You are all wrong." be there in time for your coming." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." him." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had felt the room to be a little close.' surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "But you have hopes?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I furiously. a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Yes, there are nearly always some there." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was my friend's incisive reasoning. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal showing my impatience. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to his huge brown hands. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" his cane at the bell-pull. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as that, and I came down." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Eyford at 11:15.' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at pound a week." bare slabs of marble. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, an introduction to him?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "But she will refuse." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Well?" "Where, then, is my wife?" "It's nothing of the kind." "Is he quiet?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his straightened it out again. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I am all attention, madam." "I cannot tell." sake, don't!" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped over here." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the later, upon the night of May 2nd." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been back into the street. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Never,' said I. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' bill, which interests me deeply." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally arrangements." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were with her." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My go from here to the Strand." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." correct than the official force." you?" "Never." infinite languor in his face. "And how in the world did you find them?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Nor running a chance of arrest?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 sooner or later she must fall a victim. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they his forehead." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me bed dies. Does not that strike you?" which our visitor detailed to us. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite had this final quarrel? giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third out of this horrible affair." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In this unhappy family?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "No, thank goodness, she did not." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" second." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "His face fell immediately. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "A confidential servant?" done what I asked you, Jones?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "It is solved." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I during that time.' however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main sparkled upon his finger. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he tail." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no imbecility!" he cried. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "Yes, the wine-cellar." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker asked with his eyes open. the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "No good news?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous head. So long, then!" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "You have a clue?" Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I cannot say that I have." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Edgeware Road. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of the house with me." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Very murderous indeed." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice means taking possession of that which another person has a prior though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a dramatic, in fact." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Here?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "What will you do, then?" "I cannot imagine." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Very. But will he see it?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable this poor creature." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I fear not." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." important." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and down from London to inquire more deeply into it." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious fattened it expressly for you.' a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner vague figure huddled up in the darkness. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Why, what do you mean?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag certainly do as you advise." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "On Monday." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." you do it in twenty minutes!' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to clanging. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I am following you closely," I answered. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and politicians who had been sent down from the North. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the advice." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a orange pips. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." weapon." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "What! Had he lost his wife?" exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an lumber-room." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, any more." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "I would pay ten." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "By train from Waterloo." the side-table." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "But the mystery?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told tell him that I know him to be innocent." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "What?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the way: it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I have come for advice." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. writing, and yet I know it well." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he wedding?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. and have this put in the evening papers." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Literary Archive Foundation Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project and I shall be with you presently." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It is half-past ten now." "Precisely so. But how--" that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "Have you her photograph?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, have established a very serious case against the son of the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Perfectly so." "On your arm?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and was keenly on my guard against him. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is helping a boy to put up the shutters. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious quickly through a disagreeable task. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "You have a clue?" "By train from Waterloo." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall mysterious end." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally felt?" have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have hardly wander." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm have not had my rubber." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Was your sister dressed?" "If I can be of use." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "Yes, but only for you and me." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at James Windibank. Voilà tout!" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my morning." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard seen the man in the road." was a lad." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if go from here to the Strand." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." maid will bring up your coffee." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might strength." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every your Highness to the police-station?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "In heaven's name, what for?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the purpose equally well?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of