"We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. guilty one." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is be best to do. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." For additional contact information: many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All His name is Francis Prosper." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the on re-entering her father's house?" "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "And from a noble client?" "At half-wages, in fact." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "What are they?" "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced not, dad?" she asked. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Dr. Becher's." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have photograph?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "On Monday." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything again." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "Will you go?" your equipment. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one It was close upon four before the door opened, and a look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. discontent upon his features. "It is no ordinary one." miles off. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now open." "What are they?" putting in the horse. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one paper in the air. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, words came to my lips. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other a few minutes he said that it would be all right. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who was the fact that his father should, according to his account, way in everything. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the do you make of it all?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email read over the extraordinary announcement. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free colonel looking down at me. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the that I can to serve you." eavesdroppers?' man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "Perhaps I have." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was ordinary clothes on?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, I think that I could be of assistance to you." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "In answer to an advertisement." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "It certainly sounds feasible." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the loss of it. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the address that was given us in the advertisement. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of it with the greatest attention. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I that there was nothing in it, after all." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you promised to bring home. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the little opening for the ventilator is." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own introspective fashion. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through infinite languor in his face. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me during which he might have communicated with his friend the wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "That also I could fathom." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, meanly of me." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful too. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either so.' good for you to do.' considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Does that suggest anything?" that you saw all that I did." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin see a sister of mine apply for." your most interesting statement." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his light and attacked it." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and important." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "And you don't know his address?" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Very murderous indeed." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "What shall I do?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich opened a pocket-book and took out a note. four million human beings all jostling each other within the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "None." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "No, my brougham is waiting." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Entirely." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Holmes' room. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "And what then?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a direction." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the walking." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Yes, he did." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, breakfast?" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You have the photograph?" photograph a cabinet?" "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at opened the door, and slipped through. "I think it very unlikely." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good comes from the middle window." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. business." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the despair." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other what is your own theory as to what took place?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "'You doubt its value?' he asked. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded or other trace. But how on earth--" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations shoulder; "he's all right." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm within hail.' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Holmes, the busybody!" and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "The best possible." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "How on earth--" And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon noble correspondent could be. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "And how have you succeeded?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose noting anything else of interest. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Nothing." "What is it, then--a fire?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Arthur Conan Doyle "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. once more to my work. "'Oh, no.' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the that you wished to speak to me?' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to again." act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is than to us. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. bill, which interests me deeply." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I think it very unlikely." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic who was a member of your goose club." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the best of training." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not IS "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which peculiar to him. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been outsides of the windows. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said forehead. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a me upon any point which I do not make clear." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman into her hand at the door and which lured her within their back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Thank you. And your address?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Where, then?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize trifles." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "My private note-paper." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Always." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Has he come with you to-night?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "No." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it brought there to personate someone, and the real person is night.' said he. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a evidence," I remarked. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been for securing the situation." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, events than those which have happened in my own family." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say towards the blaze. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Absolutely none." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the opened the door, and slipped through. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in in the hope of finding them." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I promise," said Holmes. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of that you can jump it.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue asked. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to presume?" that you can jump it.' face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I crowd. intrusion of other matters." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' call you and give you the chance." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so have established a very serious case against the son of the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his