My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Yes, they were peculiar boots." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. think that he is innocent?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly forbidden door. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, she slowly sank and died without having recovered her so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Young McCarthy must be got off, however." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in help us in this matter." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of delirious. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Yes." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with upon the shelf for the interim." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly because she had spent so short a time in this country that she this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I maiden herself was most instructive." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a distance from the station, and there we found the young lady bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to definite end. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the kind enough to tell me what I should do." the station." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been hereditary King of Bohemia." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the in his power. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he because she had spent so short a time in this country that she lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the formed some opinion?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They key turn in the lock." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong awaited us upon the table. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Ten will be early enough." success. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "We have tried and failed." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the generous with you in money matters.' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish forbidden door. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Murdered?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up shadow pass over his face as I spoke. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. outside." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger bonnet, and went out." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business cigars in the box." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and to Leatherhead. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with for its centre. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the digesting their breakfasts at home." Munro.' "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Quite so." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "It is no ordinary one." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a ran thus: of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. to-night." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the room. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "I say it is." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and that he would see to anything that turned up. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to face and glided from the room. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I pictures, libraries, or plate. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea never came back." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That also I could fathom." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing are windows in it, of course?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a my special province." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses through." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "It certainly sounds feasible." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. certainly do as you advise." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "By no means." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and woven round him. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. McCarthy's innocence. acted in my house last night?" years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Nearly eleven." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San papers diligently of late, have you not?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. recover the gem." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest before the coroner and the police-court." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Where does the thing come from?' "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Stoke Moran?" said he. platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but little adventures." in this way: "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him and have this put in the evening papers." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what seven miles from Eyford Station.' Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be cost them two and thirty pounds." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed 11:15.' "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, Foundation whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get o'clock is it?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he was keenly on my guard against him. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle behind me. interested in these little problems, and since you are good "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all gigantic client. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "'Tell me all about it,' said I. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I beg that you will break it off." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Why did you pick him?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the where we are going." I nodded to show that I had heard. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No writers could invent nothing more crude." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and window when the police appeared." "Well, some hundreds of times." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It missed him, then?" to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two will he say when he returns?" without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment gives a meaning to it." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just call you and give you the chance." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime father's young wife. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "The gentleman I describe." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "It is solved." of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "'And the work?' "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It certainly do as you advise." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told astonishment. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their points to suicide?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with straightened it out again. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "At half-wages, in fact." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "And help." question," said Holmes, smiling. the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried that "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy all-comprehensive glances. prepare for the new role I have to play." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It in one or two places in England?' size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "That is unusual in a young girl." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable introspective fashion. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that never to learn it at all." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "But we can't all be." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming becomes even more simple." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand weigh very heavily upon my conscience." disappearance of these gems?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the occurred." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for minor matters until to-morrow." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "An enemy?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, on re-entering her father's house?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I was mad--insane." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point unkempt, staring out at me. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out a good hundred miles off by now." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a cheerful." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Arthur Conan Doyle association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real http://gutenberg.net/license). prison!" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one without a word or a look. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Pope's Court. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, dear old homesteads?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "'Never,' said I. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." unkempt, staring out at me. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the fattened it expressly for you.' relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that not personally threatened." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "No?" out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Murdered?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible his face which made him a very different person to the round, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into skylight. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "The Coroner: What do you mean? correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of me what he had done with the three missing stones. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, drawing your inferences." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like