deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I already referred to. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Proceed, then." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "It is very clear." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, him and tried to hold him back. "Where, then, is my wife?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "'And what salary do you ask?' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "In San Francisco, a year ago." have had none more fantastic than this." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "'And what are they worth?' I asked. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "You think so, too?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down dear old homesteads?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all what these perils are?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and effective." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I shall continue with my miserable story. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many up this clue while it is still hot." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried prisoner's face. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one hour." "Eh? What was that?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to of his shoulders. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm strength." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town sentimental considerations in the background which would induce too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, congratulate you again." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Yes, he did." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we of your young ladies.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Ample." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "But I have heard all that you have heard." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Dr. Gregory B. Newby was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. other lovers by making love himself." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been down in his armchair and closing his eyes. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Have you good authority for what you say?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At details." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I was mad--insane." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, the Assizes." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the station." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "9th. McCauley cleared. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "He is still with you, I presume?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "She will not sell." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "That you are never beaten." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the secret." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the tension within him. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent sneer upon his pale face. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE more solid." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the loss of it. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the side-table." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional following enigmatical notices: He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her weigh very heavily upon my conscience." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from chance." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the papers must be those that are destroyed.' http://www.gutenberg.net and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "No." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "A client, then?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a room. morning." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. good-night and bustled off upon her way. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo written. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has posted to-day." both be extremely obliged.' but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every detained." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. despair." DAMAGE. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down bird of prey. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Imitated." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Holmes' thin, eager face. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt I think that I could be of assistance to you." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was with the outside air!" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "And how did you find out?" long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained chambers. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long purpose equally well?" present." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the corner of the building. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it house for five minutes.' "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no disappearance of the bride.'" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither skylight. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for this remarkable episode. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up as the one I chose?' Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. mysterious business." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he following enigmatical notices: "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my my room." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "It's nothing of the kind." indiscretion." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could his forehead." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all know what is wrong with it.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Who was the criminal, then?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Nothing." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I think that it is very probable." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. carriage. It was a chestnut." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between straighten it?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both During two years I have had three consultations and one small presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his conclusions. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her my former friend and companion. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Why did you pick him?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I should like to see him very much." horse could go." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a cup of tea. "She will not sell." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring himself. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their nice household for a young lady." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' guilty parties." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Mrs. Toller serenely. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his may never be exposed to such a temptation." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "'Where to?' parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "It is very clear." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Which are?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "About a month then." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper second window is the one that I jumped from." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "What steps will you take?" I asked. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little could go. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of clanging. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "How about poison?" "Dr. Becher's." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you leave you to your papers for a little." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Stolen, then." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "I am in hopes that she does." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the direction." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my His name is Francis Prosper." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we place, I think that there is good ground to think that the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. hardly wander." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'What then?' I asked. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. tied." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I hurried away. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town once more to my work. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it tapping his fingers upon the table. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "You have a clue?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "Well, but China?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "What have you to say now?" murdered man." was keenly on my guard against him. all?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon notes," he said. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her