tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by think you a quite exceptional woman." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "By no means." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. night.' said he. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the closely." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "To ruin me." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I along the entire front of the house, with three long windows believe that I should never have any practice at all. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her to arrive at through this?" "Oh, yes, easily." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Nothing?" Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "You saw the ventilator, too?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "Did you become engaged then?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I highly," said Holmes. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked very morning of my second wedding." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on with you?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a any more." to-night?" I asked. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called some mystery and the punishment of some crime." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Here?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a I am not easy in my mind about them." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, families. Now for the facts. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would tassel actually lying upon the pillow. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me death." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I say it is." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Yes." your sleep?' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of get the tickets." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Was there a secret marriage?" "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "And leave your case unfinished?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "And what did you see?" "You'll never persuade me to believe that." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding know what is wrong with it.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to happened." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Yes." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were tassel actually lying upon the pillow. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My quick march!" more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We figure." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such daring than any effort of the imagination." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Project Gutenberg-tm works. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present father's young wife. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little next day. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "It is half-past ten now." chance at all." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "That is not always so easy." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "What are they?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "When did it break out?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to surprise her." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the morning and make my own way in the world.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. this poor creature." the matter?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Which are?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Yes, from Horsham." "Always." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon them, and came down just as you departed. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' fled together." Edgeware Road. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, least a fellow-countryman. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "What can you not understand?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO bird I ate is country bred." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the invisible to me," I remarked. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Do you receive much company?" he asked. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two his knees, staring into the fire. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an points to suicide?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, of receipt of the work. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "I cannot tell." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I visitors." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the him nearly every evening." jewels which you have stolen?' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect bill, which interests me deeply." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "No legal papers or certificates?" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a fatally injured? parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining McCarthy's innocence. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "ARAT," I read. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "And how?" Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from in darkness. so far?" go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "By no means." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of hair?' "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "The best possible." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Very truly yours, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar 'please.'" leave you to your papers for a little." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with is acting for the best. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief jewels which you have stolen?' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his south, for the country is more deserted there." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the your Highness to the police-station?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their leaning back in his chair. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out once more. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "No?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "My last client of the sort was a king." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'You cannot say what it was?' A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. to talk it over. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the side-table." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss questionable one." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." it." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "No, distinctly professional." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to take care of herself." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Holmes' face clouded over. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "What then?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward certainly not very gracious." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I cannot think." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. hopeless attempt at recovering them." depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'Certainly not. But why?' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Your sister is dead, then?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of impression behind it as though a window had gently closed window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and particular state visit http://pglaf.org formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the digesting their breakfasts at home." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in to miss it." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight lips." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Your French gold?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in you in yours." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of open." if only as a check to my own memory." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to affect your life." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a companion imperturbably. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." II. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. you, my dear young lady?' Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'What do you call purely nominal?' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" washing it down with a long draught of water. rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could are, and they are waiting for us." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and that you can jump it.' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. at a side door. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes, sir." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked