better in every way that they should make their position a little some water from a caraffe. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "So I heard. You have him here?" ourselves in the office." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "This photograph!" would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "I am to be neutral?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he desk. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my McCarthy." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Her father is very rich?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. of the vacancies.' from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque skylight. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you very morning of my second wedding." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the tragedy. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing on in his house." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two out of this horrible affair." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I your only hope of safety." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "It is very clear." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can in his hands." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. wall." the station." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had been deceived." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 ourselves in the office." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even upon the white wrist. despair." once more. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the I shall continue with my miserable story. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. joking. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood suspect him." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll woven round him. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. disappearance of the bride.'" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand address. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel about. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and security.' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be License. You must require such a user to return or was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the will be renamed. infinite languor in his face. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John to-night?" I asked. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'How far from the body?' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, without a word or a look. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Chief Executive and Director "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating It may be so in this case, also." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which she used." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even already been minutely examined." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at of your young ladies.' steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had searched, without anything being found which could incriminate what I may call a really hard day's work." himself. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, have got?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat galvanised. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is him." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the you for a few hours?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At fear." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Bought." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at forehead. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "But it has twice been burgled." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was and put his glass in his pocket. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you already referred to. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I second." of them has the shutters up.' you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of door?" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She occurred." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Very truly yours, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly then?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "And how did he make his money?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. extraordinary contortions. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I don't say that. Perhaps." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence if only as a check to my own memory." in the dead of the night?' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any felt the room to be a little close.' Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if fatally injured? gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup her also." at my remark. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be I leave." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even have had none more fantastic than this." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are 1.E.9. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to asked. tension within him. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." peculiar to him. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, forecastle of an emigrant ship. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I when your master had gone out." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "In what way?" asked Holmes. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Yes." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I whereabouts. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm papers on the sundial.'" "The Cedars?" in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "'And what are they worth?' I asked. him!" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE away into the river." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until better in every way that they should make their position a little thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I ventilator." "Precisely." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he this truth that in these little records of our cases which you we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, skylight. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "A confidential servant?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who tied." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the very morning of the wedding." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I matter over." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "At what time?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" crime." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Not social, then?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A impression behind it as though a window had gently closed Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive must be when I saw the door open.' in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Seven!" I answered. some terrible trap for her." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." of this gang." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" our word." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very she has been waylaid. There has been no result." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years about here speaks of his kindness to him." important." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed your co-operation." "A confidential servant?" crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is families. Now for the facts. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too hardly wander." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him ran thus: clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was kindly on the shoulder. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, me have 200 pounds?' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Holmes, the busybody!" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner than was visible to me." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the general public were present, then?" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and arrangements." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the to that open window." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all strode off upon his way. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from carpenter." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Yes, the wine-cellar." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Where to?' Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, time." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an look dissatisfied." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the