wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "What! a murderous attack?" whether it answered to the description of any of their I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, closely." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the forebodings. prisoner's face. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself in his power. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "No, I think that I'll take it." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of receipt of the work. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "How about poison?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Come in!" said he. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they I was concerned in it." down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous records." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a done what I asked you, Jones?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he 1.E.9. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the inner apartment." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her you, my dear young lady?' work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Breckinridge is his name." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a was shining brightly. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this retorted upon me, and I on you." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by your only hope of safety." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which points to suicide?" invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the eat it." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I morning." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "May I see it?" "The King of Scandinavia." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I tied." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Breckinridge is his name." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "You did not overhear what they said?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and papers must be those that are destroyed.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if miles off. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, you." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new do.' man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, have had none more fantastic than this." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Quite so." four million human beings all jostling each other within the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to washing it down with a long draught of water. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "No." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the this as likely?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Of what?" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "You'll never persuade me to believe that." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. maid will bring up your coffee." the house with me." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Murdered?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "What I expected to see." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other Again Holmes raved in the air. intrusion of other matters." must compliment you." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Leadenhall Street--and--" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a already referred to. been deceived." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock look dissatisfied." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "You don't mind breaking the law?" mysterious business." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, child?' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "That is not always so easy." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am showing my impatience. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in room had already been engaged for us. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a have been better. It is all right." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It is his hat." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. you want, then?' him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set have been better. It is all right." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most it." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Did he not advertise?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and nonsense.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Breckinridge is his name." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over way in." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and that he would see to anything that turned up. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, looking up at the numbers of the houses." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure like gravel from a pit.' "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Why? What do you mean?" "What, then?" silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you affair. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the get her out of the way." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "What steps will you take?" I asked. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement of." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our breakfast." "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he matters immensely." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. at my own good fortune. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "It is possible." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make what I may call a really hard day's work." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a your most interesting statement." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "What! a murderous attack?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. daring than any effort of the imagination." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before too. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project flock.' drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who his grey eyes. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "It is a murder, then?" "'Is purely nominal.' nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and think you a quite exceptional woman." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in shall use the carriage to-night." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit ran thus: purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and gentleman's clothes. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried suggested at once that there must be a communication between the ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have my special province." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Quite so. She has her freedom." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The annoyance, but no jest. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One shall use the carriage to-night." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'I have heard so.' then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast tell them apart.' face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, me. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, people don't know." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." the salesman. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that girl said." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a manager. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most this unhappy family?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of the morning and make my own way in the world.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so me. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. posted to-day." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "My Mary? Impossible!" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Yes, it would be as well." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it do you make of it all?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "And is that all?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "Yes, it would be as well." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Farm upon the left." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I that you can jump it.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. ordinary clothes on?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." get the tickets." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge is entirely a question of barometric pressure." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Who was the criminal, then?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw prisoner's face. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to Lee, in the county of Kent." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear strength in the others." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Leave Paddington by the 11:15." very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "Yes." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do one of the states of the Union." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it point in the dark hollow of his hand. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Yes, at the mines." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of them has the shutters up.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his as he remarks, very much against the son." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "No?" Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your arrangements." unkempt, staring out at me. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project