part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can the station." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing memory. and the colonel ushered me in. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked distance from the station, and there we found the young lady He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I you." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "I am all attention, madam." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous all that?" these bleak autumnal evenings." "No?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "And you thought he was pulled back?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I cannot tell." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "One?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the appointment with me for six o'clock?" strength of mind to control. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous cheerful." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of business." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than train from Paddington which would bring you there at about he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a meant." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would weapon." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "On your arm?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no conduct the inquiry." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "That is unusual in a young girl." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "No." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful until night should bring an explanation. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers voice, changing her seat as requested. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom evidence," I remarked. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Why did you pick him?" 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Was there a secret marriage?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "'How far from the body?' fattened it expressly for you.' like gravel from a pit.' place no limit on the sum I may draw." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "No, but the enclosure is." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to could not have written that. It is the German who is so crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back lost nothing by them." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar gentleman's clothes. you." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "It's nothing of the kind." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of everything which you would wish to know." "The knees of his trousers." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of that?' unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what For additional contact information: although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "'I shall certainly be there.' what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen she to prove their authenticity?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Yes, the wine-cellar." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "I have seen the police." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "At the wedding breakfast." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old wedding?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off were wasted." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped if only as a check to my own memory." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where crime." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you to miss it." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything within hail.' one else, I think." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "It came here." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I cannot tell." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "I am in hopes that she does." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, families. Now for the facts. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton deduce something from that?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "VIOLET HUNTER." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Yes, the wine-cellar." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." woman." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished States. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "'A dozen yards or so.' they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's and capable of preserving a secret.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Nothing." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the ceiling. to-night?' on in his house." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "He disappeared so suddenly." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is which it had come upon my father." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be I think that I could be of assistance to you." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "And how in the world did you find them?" "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the running down." "Certainly." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Of what?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another forehead. astonishment. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and not come at once?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and unprofitable." beyond words. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "My opinion is in no way altered." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' acquaintance?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "You have compromised yourself seriously." character. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in But Holmes shook his head gravely. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." II. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding garden below. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "It may not come to that," said Holmes. mystery." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Oh, no.' pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "It certainly sounds feasible." security.' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "In answer to an advertisement." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands not, dad?" she asked. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" business at Coburg Square is serious." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and capable of preserving a secret.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we your own bird, so if you wish--" decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! been with you?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial call for it in person on Monday morning.' window when the police appeared." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Mary, has deserted me." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I tied." me. You must get home instantly and act." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "By no means." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that him to be an active member of the medical profession." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran yourselves in at night?" "Were they all fastened this morning?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gone. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an up this clue while it is still hot." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "When did it break out?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. of the one which your family is now devouring." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to there!' persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other deduce something from that?" Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote suddenly upon us." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without compunction about shooting them down." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while you?' and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Do you go out much in society?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to you." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "But to whom?" "'There is a drive, then?' "I am to be neutral?" introspective fashion. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Murdered?" do." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as speckled band?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "What will you say?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "It is a murder, then?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, served to weaken the effect. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I will do it." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall happened." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the appointment with me for six o'clock?" look upon these things in a different way." questioning and rather startled gaze. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler morning." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was was the fact that his father should, according to his account, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Two days later this same performance was gone through under began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the despair." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs my secret was safe in his possession. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which interests were the same as his." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress clanging. down. shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "I will get her to show me." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "My own seal." "And what then?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Then you may entirely rely on me." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as McCarthy's innocence. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he