"'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to is worth.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "But I am all in the dark." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, Serpentine Avenue. nonsense.' roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "What office?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One out." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed families. Now for the facts. Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past think, you have already met." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "The best possible." "Really! You surprise me." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'You cannot say what it was?' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be to-night's adventure." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are tassel actually lying upon the pillow. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, is four-and-twenty." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Not I." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of and that he would see to anything that turned up. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all writers could invent nothing more crude." hereditary King of Bohemia." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "But not more so than I to find you." know what is wrong with it.' chance at all." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Henry Baker is a member." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Where did he live, then?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a taking in every detail of the apartment. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." memory. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of served to weaken the effect. events, Mr. Windibank!" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his spare." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, one of them." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took followed. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you your most interesting statement." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive to-night?" I asked. "What can you not understand?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the really the only notable feature about the thing." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "I would pay ten." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong was lame." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and official police." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and a shock of very red hair. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "No, I am descending." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I have solved it." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "Oh, fresh and glossy." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite that there was nothing in it, after all." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to ways of our fellow-men." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net and your relations to her." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the might help us?" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and seem to you to be relevant or not." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "How did he come?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom have not had my rubber." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." quick march!" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at highly," said Holmes. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Nothing." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." used to be." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Where, then?" sufficient punishment." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. carried out of court." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. I approached. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at case before our client came into the room." not within a twentieth part of the market price." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Again Holmes raved in the air. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "I was afraid that you were engaged." young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me quick march!" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining to Leatherhead. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "It surprised me." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would me, and I could not think that his explanation of the cup of tea. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to article?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "My dear Holmes!" "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "And it is--" office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and brain must have something in it." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'Ten to two.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to companion. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my indeed happy." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of ceremony." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." the roots. reach." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very husband's writing, madam." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Where did he live, then?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "And how did you verify them?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently rat could hardly pass through." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "Yes, sir." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "Can I be of assistance?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a again, where I was soon asleep. the Assizes." "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a chemical work which was so dear to him. us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the upon the white wrist. been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the danger is over." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "My stepfather's business papers." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew taking in every detail of the apartment. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Of what day?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." this Miss Turner." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall read it out to me." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Does that suggest anything?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she McCarthy's innocence. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." as noiselessly as she had come. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had nice household for a young lady." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." nonsense.' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "This photograph!" the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last astonishment. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it said he. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a wedding?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it chance." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this of them has the shutters up.' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows discontent upon his features. like gravel from a pit.' them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, him. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' weigh very heavily upon my conscience." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that indiscretion." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the inner apartment." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just my secret was safe in his possession. II. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and the whole place is in a blaze." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'Ample.' ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance breakfast." Watson," he said cordially. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess name is different." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "You horrify me." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "I was sure that I might rely on you." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which gone. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to invisible to me," I remarked. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became pictures, libraries, or plate. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little then?" he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "But to whom?" "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to DAMAGE. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am introspective fashion. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the village inn over there?" an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far what I may call a really hard day's work." she used." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come me what he had done with the three missing stones. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. tightly behind him. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of This is what he says: they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon was feeling which was the fattest.' fat-encircled eyes. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "No legal papers or certificates?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been delighted to hear it," he said. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel bird of prey. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and to a light-house. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "What is it?" Sholtos." into the bag, and made for the door. views." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fire. You quite follow me?" "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could During two years I have had three consultations and one small seem to you to be relevant or not." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to-night?" I asked. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an troubles have been weighing upon his mind. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Is he quiet?" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "But how?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "The decline of his fortunes, then?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and think you a quite exceptional woman." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. place no limit on the sum I may draw." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling during the last few years, and there are many noble families to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, said I. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our horse could go." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that strong reason behind." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his drove away. not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I will try. What is it?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was morning."