"'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Were they all fastened this morning?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, What do you deduce from it?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer place no limit on the sum I may draw." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we that threaten you." works. See paragraph 1.E below. ventilator." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, some water from a caraffe. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." habit of advancing money.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "The King of Scandinavia." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door relief. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw it were putty." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' have established a very serious case against the son of the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in you want, then?' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into unprofitable." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have of the efforts of the United States government and of the better bed dies. Does not that strike you?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Witness: I must still refuse. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all of the way of danger. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his mysterious business." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you to-morrow." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in said he. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "She walked into the breakfast-room." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable be best to do. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At she has been waylaid. There has been no result." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to look dissatisfied." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "An enemy?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then affection." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still with the outside air!" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Then he might have called to you?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out wanted for ourselves." families. Now for the facts. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low assist you in forming an opinion." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I would give my fortune to have them back." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "I shall be delighted." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Dr. Gregory B. Newby helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Did you become engaged then?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to miles off. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "You have but to name it." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply miles off. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the recover the gem." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange companion quietly. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who my special province." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I cannot tell." "And the murderer?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, the bottom.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I business." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "My photograph." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "I was sure that I might rely on you." "But how will you look?" are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" tail." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has shag which I had seen upon the previous night. I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to said I. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, mysterious business." "And help." "Then the page we have seen--" "I cannot as yet see any connection." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and upon an income of about 60 pounds." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made said he at last. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated at my remark. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my ways of our fellow-men." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' I nodded to show that I had heard. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "What can you not understand?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always of Fenchurch Street." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with introspective fashion. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been what I may call a really hard day's work." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "But how did you gain them?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her business matters.' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "And it is--" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never was used.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, village inn over there?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the o'clock is it?" and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood right! Sit down and let us talk it over." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "'Certainly,' I answered. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' me have 200 pounds?' indeed which he could not unravel. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life what I may call a really hard day's work." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather his grey eyes. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at business." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of laugh and put his lips to my ear. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove upon the sideboard." our word." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "Where, then?" affection." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "Yes, he did." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. are windows in it, of course?" "Pray tell us what has happened to you." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face to affect your life." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have occurred." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come is now desirous of getting those letters back." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the loss of it. colour had been driven from his face. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'What are you doing there?' he asked. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and everything which you would wish to know." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and a shock of very red hair. them?" Clair, of Lee." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was present." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us handed it to him. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and hurried away. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "A confidential servant?" was a lad." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? to Leatherhead. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. guilty parties." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'You doubt its value?' he asked. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and room had already been engaged for us. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the inner apartment." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "And when will you call?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "It was." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "I cannot imagine." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no ran thus: "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." vault. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What he bowed and left the room without another word. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but fait accompli?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "Was your sister dressed?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. thought that she would have been so carried away." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Not yet." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will test if we have an answer to our advertisement." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "'Is purely nominal.' think, you have already met." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he attention." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the very morning of the wedding." be. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. train.' time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. were unconscious?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the even of instruction." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. next day. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, pierced for earrings?" girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, his cane at the bell-pull. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this