squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Have you good authority for what you say?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever orange pips. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Why? What do you mean?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles you do it in twenty minutes!' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I the warnings." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I he. III. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church guilty parties." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "10th. John Swain cleared. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said outsides of the windows. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and gives a meaning to it." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." and wait." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their strange features which were associated with the two crimes which adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Then how many are there?" moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet done what I asked you, Jones?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "I think that it is very probable." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent charged with?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was with her." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "The knees of his trousers." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be status with the IRS. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. we went to search for him, face downward in a little "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "'Is purely nominal.' partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City useful material for showing traces. The double line a little cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of fasten all the windows?" "So I am. Very much so." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw hour." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed name is different." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few be. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Ah!" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the from the brougham. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the so far?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "I am to be neutral?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Your sister is dead, then?" The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his generous with you in money matters.' You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident skylight. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Pope's Court. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my him. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a have not had my rubber." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Quite so." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw vague figure huddled up in the darkness. girl said." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "How did you trace it, then?" a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up this remarkable episode. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of as he folded up the epistle. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "And I." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly to change my dress. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "But his left-handedness." your most interesting statement." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say was a loud and authoritative tap. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in your sleep?' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" such person." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person good for you to do.' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "This concluded the examination of the witness." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were ashen face. yourselves in at night?" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Only as much as we can deduce." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'I am sure that I do not know.' quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another lamp in his hand. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of narrative." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "The doctor?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw round with crates and massive boxes. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. go back?" "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Yes, certainly." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would said Mr. Holder. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "I answered that I had not. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and laid it on the table. exactly what you advise." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to entirely devoid of interest." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" the station." to have been novel and of interest." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I approached. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No good news?" of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "I am in hopes that she does." obstinate." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems never came back." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons any more." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Miss Holder?" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we not interfere, come what may. You understand?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." arrangements." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "And how?" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "I will not look." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I have not had my rubber." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight lectures into a series of tales." roused himself from his reverie. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt south, for the country is more deserted there." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "I say it is." Count Von Kramm." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom conclusions. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air my room." four million human beings all jostling each other within the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "But his lameness?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey charge against him will break down." jewels which you have stolen?' "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it towards the blaze. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles breakfast." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say yet." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "How did that help you?" "He said that you could solve anything." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the spare." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly appeal." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Imitated." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman off." intrusion of other matters." writers could invent nothing more crude." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned felt the room to be a little close.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "What! Had he lost his wife?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a II. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, said Mr. Holder. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, true." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There room had already been engaged for us. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And the murderer?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his attention." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a I leave." "But he might be a bachelor." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "No?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of his knees, staring into the fire. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Very murderous indeed." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the roots. them?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take quick march!" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though Holmes' room. the so-precious time, but come!' following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his husband's writing, madam." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "That is possible." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "This concluded the examination of the witness." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or hard-headed British jury." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small showing my impatience.