instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'Certainly,' I answered. "Perhaps we may make them less so." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the washing it down with a long draught of water. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "To ruin me." when you have done it." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it to-morrow." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could upon an income of about 60 pounds." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful his huge brown hands. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "And who is her maid?" and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room fire. You quite follow me?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to salesman. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Ten will be early enough." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the of the one which your family is now devouring." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I chill to my heart. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "My last client of the sort was a king." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than said he, "my real name is James Ryder." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** morning." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "And you can do nothing until then?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be and wait." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "'I am sure that I do not know.' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Where, then, is my wife?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred affection." me what he had done with the three missing stones. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I with you?" nothing with him." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the closing the door. carpenter." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so American. Then who could this American be, and why should he feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." one of the states of the Union." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my which it had come upon my father." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in annoyance, but no jest. morning." husband's writing, madam." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "'About the same.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in one or two places in England?' myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court your only hope of safety." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to unkempt, staring out at me. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to them present such singular features as the strange train of is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert confronted him. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." up this clue while it is still hot." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among way in." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Whose house is it?" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what unkempt, staring out at me. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin believe that I should never have any practice at all. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, signal between you and your father? which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very not use it unless it is absolutely needed." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard distinguish the words: wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is what I may call a really hard day's work." did not hear it also.' the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that been able to understand it, in a very few words. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was voice, changing her seat as requested. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "And for present expenses?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," delighted to hear it," he said. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and capable of preserving a secret.' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she criminal. We have already had experience of such." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of paper in the air. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Watson," he said cordially. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." gone. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Ah!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save into her hand at the door and which lured her within their conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" things are very often connected not with the larger but with the definite end. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door burst out into a roar of laughter. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite or other trace. But how on earth--" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Witness: I must still refuse. son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "But you can know nothing of this?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds vault. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "The vanishing of the lady." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Holmes' face clouded over. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "And for present expenses?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "'I shall certainly be there.' with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "I assure you that I am in your hands." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "That is easily got." cigars in the box." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Chief Executive and Director at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. III. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke as yours." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "And you can do nothing until then?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we since then to throw any light upon what became of him." hour." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the gives a meaning to it." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." pierced for earrings?" serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "Just look it up, then." very morning of my second wedding." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "How did that help you?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "'Certainly,' I answered. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "She showed me, as I told you she would." them, and came down just as you departed. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain again." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some bare slabs of marble. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'I have heard so.' as he remarks, very much against the son." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Pray continue your narrative." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a companion. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. or other trace. But how on earth--" Mrs. Toller serenely. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to developed." gone before you can get him to hospital." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "I promise," said Holmes. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "In what way?" asked Holmes. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that breakfast and whispered something to her husband. colonel looking down at me. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up bears upon the case?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "A greater distance to travel." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. too. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for it." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Which surely he restored to their owner?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing without a word or a look. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Well, it is a possible supposition." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat him to be an active member of the medical profession." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your outsides of the windows. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." lamp. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Did he not advertise?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which gbnewby@pglaf.org "In heaven's name, what for?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it me." sufficient punishment." knowledge of the world." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'I am sure if I had known--' "'You cannot say what it was?' devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had