Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to writer." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of tension within him. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "You know me, then?" disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has him and tried to hold him back. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him think that he is innocent?" him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through certainly not very gracious." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "I cannot imagine." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic which was all perfectly true. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "What have you done?" asked Holmes. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and McCarthy's innocence. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "But I am all in the dark." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "My last client of the sort was a king." "Did you become engaged then?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to questionable one." "I assure you that I am in your hands." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the pictures, libraries, or plate. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real shall use the carriage to-night." will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first himself to hunt down. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Edgeware Road. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it individual and becomes the badge of a society." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "Certainly." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her Street. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving thin, with a long, sharp nose?" hard-headed British jury." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we of receipt of the work. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and at home. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a I shall continue with my miserable story. "'I shall certainly be there.' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in God! What an exposure! What can I do?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done annoyance, but no jest. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Yes, sir." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already is a common subject for conversation. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view leave you to your papers for a little." "What?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight most interesting one." "You have compromised yourself seriously." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, did not hear it also.' Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Yes, only one." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and digesting their breakfasts at home." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect in the port of London." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last spare." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a was not a bird to be seen there. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "On your arm?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our points to suicide?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to miss it." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms his huge brown hands. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such late!' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself may never be exposed to such a temptation." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. his cane at the bell-pull. I took the paper from him and read as follows: "What have you to say now?" the dangers which encompass me." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" direction." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "'Never.' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "It missed him, then?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is gigantic client. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get the nursery. both be extremely obliged.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a lost his Christmas dinner." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "That is also quite modern," said the lady. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has several quiet little villages up there." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and again on its way. showing my impatience. definite end. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Eyford at 11:15.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may other, as fresh and trim as possible. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it closely." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of see me here to avoid scandal." whether it answered to the description of any of their anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I am about to be married." comes from the middle window." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that you wished to speak to me?' you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid tapping his fingers upon the table. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a arrested. You then--" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "A greater distance to travel." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it some city in a dream. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat shag which I had seen upon the previous night. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I yards of it?' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two emerged. get her out of the way." "In heaven's name, what for?" "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. London for the present?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." some water from a caraffe. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I am armed." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "That is it on the dressing-table." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly him nearly every evening." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all The police have openly confessed that they can at present make let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this forehead. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the I leave." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips along the entire front of the house, with three long windows which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. hereditary King of Bohemia." "I should like to see him very much." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "One of the highest in England." people in all walks of life. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. business in the City. She little knew what. "She showed me, as I told you she would." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "Why? What do you mean?" presume?" you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. depend upon my doing so.' "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "But you were on a friendly footing?" that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which fattened it expressly for you.' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "I beg pardon." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "And how have you succeeded?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Of Friday, June 19th." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Which surely he restored to their owner?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. himself to tell his story. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "None." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I me. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" never came back." undoubtedly my uncle's." shaken than I had ever seen him. "Certainly." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Yes?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting leaning back in his chair. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "From his hat?" locked. name is different." undoubtedly my uncle's." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Very truly yours, my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, may never be exposed to such a temptation." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I father's place of business?" "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just train.' test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'Then let me do so?' it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. house for five minutes.' For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "'Most admirably.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Yes." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From any." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "But she could not love him." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards indiscretion." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs you came in." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Holmes' face clouded over. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when arrangements." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as you." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that