out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, will not take me long to tell. chair. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. where she found matters as described by the last witness. over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a approach us with offers to donate. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Was there a secret marriage?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' had picked up in the wood. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the Friday. Was it to be in church?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Your French gold?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for chamber." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "Stolen, then." "But what harm can there be in that?" turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too kindly on the shoulder. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you interested in these little problems, and since you are good legal crime." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to-night's adventure." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I see many objections to any such theory." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the business." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "From his hat?" memory. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. there is a decided draught." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in started for the Temple to see my husband. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. words came to my lips. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' you in your example." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? directly by questioning you." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Come in!" said Holmes. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few carriage. It was a chestnut." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Look there!" said he. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the tragedy. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting helping a boy to put up the shutters. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "When did it break out?" enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. night.' said he. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with Watson," he said cordially. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the papers diligently of late, have you not?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at results." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook 1.E.9. I have it here in my museum." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was forecastle of an emigrant ship. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia cheerful." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. go back?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "This photograph!" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little few hundred pounds.' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's points to suicide?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the roots. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" said he. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "And how?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Holmes, the busybody!" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. lips." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one not fit the lock." "She told me to ask you." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an pity, because in other respects you would really have done very meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Bought." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to talk it over. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another his face. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for himself to tell his story. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "How about poison?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his the bottom.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon see me here to avoid scandal." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence overpowering excitement and concern. tied." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without invisible to me," I remarked. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped hour." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "It is possible." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is keep the flames under. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of his wife has ceased to love him." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Yes, it would be as well." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I beg pardon." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "And the cigar-holder?" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Certainly." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that in a very precise fashion." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in McCarthy." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, occurred." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Foundation "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss said I. own family. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank to go into your room and bar your shutters?" have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, look upon these things in a different way." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for delighted to hear it," he said. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read noting anything else of interest. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant wife's character?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was said I. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case carried out of court." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen laugh and put his lips to my ear. off." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. you?" came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. footfalls from the street. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply to go into your room and bar your shutters?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "You have a clue?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "No legal papers or certificates?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "But you can know nothing of this?" "No." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a society." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," the inquest, and which are worth considering." you." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a examine." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove character. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "What can you not understand?" "But the mystery?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would away into the river." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "What will you do, then?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly before, for it was considerably after midnight. detective. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Yes." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "If I can be of use." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he coat-tails." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Then you may be so with me." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which bachelor.' was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Breckinridge is his name." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "But how?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in him." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out and looked back. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always very old mansion. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the tragedy. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I this remarkable episode. "It certainly sounds feasible." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." appeal." it." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Why serious?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "But what harm can there be in that?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'And the work?' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard a good hundred miles off by now." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his something of him before." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull ran thus: Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "It is true that I have been generally successful." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "She walked into the breakfast-room." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' was feeling which was the fattest.' very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose