forbidden door. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Yes." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to window when the police appeared." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Sutherland. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a paper in the air. "I will get her to show me." "Ample." "'I am sure if I had known--' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "And you don't know his address?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "No." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a three of the beryls in it, was missing. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in then?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a next day. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid speckled band?" spark where all is dark to me." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "I am about to be married." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "You heard nothing yourself last night?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Where did he live, then?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds breakfast?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table door?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I was mad--insane." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "He is still with you, I presume?" strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. Farm upon the left." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any events than those which have happened in my own family." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "But how did you gain them?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival to take care of herself." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure examination of the premises, but without finding anything which sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford direction." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and several quiet little villages up there." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the there has been an enclosure here!" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism details." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar fashion which was peculiar to him. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I am following you closely," I answered. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any meant." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should I was concerned in it." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, answered with a sidelong glance. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." newspaper selections." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the sparkled upon his finger. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house seven miles from Eyford Station.' Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Never to return." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that was feeling which was the fattest.' incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker there when the Rucastles went away." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Her father is very rich?" the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, I think that I could be of assistance to you." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Yes." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." will he say when he returns?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of danger is over." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The all?" About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." here." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "At the wedding breakfast." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Get out!" said he. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Will you go?" business in the City. She little knew what. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I we went to search for him, face downward in a little "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the me. You must get home instantly and act." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With lamp. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to I. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "But your client--" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I guessed as much." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH look dissatisfied." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I think it very unlikely." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate seem to you to be relevant or not." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his breakfast?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "What then?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. weapon." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had is now desirous of getting those letters back." Leadenhall Street--and--" forbidden door. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good light and attacked it." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Were they all fastened this morning?" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged strange features which were associated with the two crimes which time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and writers could invent nothing more crude." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps ventilator." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was to miss it." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned peculiar to him. "My dear Holmes!" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You horrify me!" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "But you were on a friendly footing?" I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the child." thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal giving me time to thank him. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Pray do so." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Nothing." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "But you can know nothing of this?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." money should be paid at once.' a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Absolutely none." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still my former friend and companion. "Certainly." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "And now?" I asked. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a that?' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went For additional contact information: made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished seven miles from Eyford Station.' of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Game for a morning drive?" highly," said Holmes. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the What do you deduce from it?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Well, but China?" unprofitable." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. beyond words. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Then I can wait in the next room." golden eyeglasses. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate outsides of the windows. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of troubles have been weighing upon his mind. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his acquaintance?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working indeed which he could not unravel. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "They are typewritten," I remarked. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "No legal papers or certificates?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of visitors." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the writer." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "But I have heard all that you have heard." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into I took the paper from him and read as follows: depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now,