naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Thank you. And your address?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. away into the river." who was a member of your goose club." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for house for five minutes.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "You horrify me!" "That also I could fathom." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble shall not find me ungrateful." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "I promise," said Holmes. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. a suggestive one." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Then how many are there?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Has he come with you to-night?" back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a that he will be back before evening." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and some place of shelter and let the county police know what has having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which bore every mark of being an average commonplace British and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun persecution?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause other means.' furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to walking." "And your mother is alive?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "How do you know, then?" "It is no ordinary one." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I companion imperturbably. "Entirely." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "But how did you gain them?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a felt the room to be a little close.' "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Dr. Gregory B. Newby and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an 'please.'" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Nearly eleven." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I not within a twentieth part of the market price." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed quickly through a disagreeable task. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "But how?" "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Where did he live, then?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Who was the criminal, then?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those official police." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I round and wave him away like that.' however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Stolen, then." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which six. Come in!" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and brain must have something in it." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" true." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "How can you tell that?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Farm upon the left." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'Why that?' I asks. "But not more so than I to find you." place no limit on the sum I may draw." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down cigars in their mouths. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his colour had been driven from his face. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated October 9, 1890. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "Come in!" said Holmes. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who people in all walks of life. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is fact, we may call it conclusive." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have test if we have an answer to our advertisement." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made comes from the middle window." have I gained?" and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing bled considerably." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my http://gutenberg.net/license). home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and the colonel ushered me in. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running that you wished to speak to me?' action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "No. His orders were to stay in the house." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. detective. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few go from here to the Strand." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "No, I am descending." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Witness: Nothing definite. "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well http://www.gutenberg.net weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "'You cannot say what it was?' red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in ways of our fellow-men." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small danger is over." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I am sure." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" respectable self." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." lectures into a series of tales." way in everything. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Lee, in the county of Kent." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'What would be the hours?' I asked. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. read it out to me." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where morning." best detective that ever lived. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "You horrify me." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "That is it on the dressing-table." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and I shall be with you presently." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came nonsense.' "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As a very grave face. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of help us in this matter." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. letters?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous way in." more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "'Is purely nominal.' plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer trifles." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought washing it down with a long draught of water. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "But what is it you wish?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "Yes." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his you give your casting vote to?" and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile fat-encircled eyes. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, whether it answered to the description of any of their "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and said I. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Well?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Absolutely?" reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. hour." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, roused himself from his reverie. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the were new raised from a basin. then?" out of this horrible affair." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, could go. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been strode off upon his way. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of she slowly sank and died without having recovered her snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold into the room. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and he. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. you." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over suspect him." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole villagers almost as much as their master. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Yes." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Do you receive much company?" he asked. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "You have compromised yourself seriously." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated the stable lane now." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "He might." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be your Highness to the police-station?" out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, man. I know him from the photograph." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "What shall I do?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Texas, I think." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "'As governess?' together. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Was there a secret marriage?" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few delirious. the devil!" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." very old mansion. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "My photograph." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the unclasping of his long thin hands. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "By no means." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three touch that coronet?' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her crowd. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Never." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "It looks newer than the other things?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. entirely devoid of interest." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "You have but to name it." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, memory.