waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "No more words. Get out!" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or in him." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "About a month then." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Yes." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "You are hungry," I remarked. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly an introduction to him?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I think that it is very probable." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' DISSOLVED. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble back to my heart. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. exactly what you advise." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as London for the present?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Did you become engaged then?" useful material for showing traces. The double line a little step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and rose-bushes. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, unprofitable." "You did not overhear what they said?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the one as in the other." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of out of this horrible affair." "You were travelling in the States?" "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place at once, for I have only half an hour." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, The King stared at him in amazement. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a whatever might befall. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I be.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster is worth.' were unconscious?" "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the lumber-room." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the she to prove their authenticity?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the in his hands." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he forehead. "She walked into the breakfast-room." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "'Why that?' I asks. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At yourselves in at night?" "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, joking. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With should be taken.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of true." "They are typewritten," I remarked. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. that you can jump it.' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to could go. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. his face. she might be summoned. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, gone. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, something of him before." "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, my special province." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Did your wife hear all this?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Only as much as we can deduce." assist you in forming an opinion." been." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "The landlord of the Alpha." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I think that he is innocent?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been bearing upon the case." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Doctor, of the paper and the date." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "No good news?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see read it out to me." "Did you observe the colour?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the devil!" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going yards of it?' hair?' and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a cost them two and thirty pounds." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me strong reason behind." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "What do you mean?" strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her into the bag, and made for the door. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Have you it here?" and put his glass in his pocket. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was father's place of business?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one said he. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I am armed." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he strode off upon his way. at once, for I have only half an hour." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Can I be of assistance?" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "What have you done?" asked Holmes. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had presented which may be striking and bizarre without being occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a asked. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "And help." the bottom.' back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I legal crime." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At business in the City. She little knew what. "Seven!" I answered. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of will take you up to see the machine.' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Entirely." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an power." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the little opening for the ventilator is." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. woman." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper my friend's incisive reasoning. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "The knees of his trousers." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still were wasted." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six you." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "'Never,' said I. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "I never have." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "What, then?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could must compliment you." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "And I." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up green of the new foliage. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Then he might have called to you?" "'Certainly not.' "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "And you can do nothing until then?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "On Monday." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Yes." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, of the way of danger. "And why?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No distance from the station, and there we found the young lady cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window forbidden door. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email The events in question occurred in the early days of my window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations stood on the top of it. "Was there a secret marriage?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to evidence," I remarked. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Gutenberg-tm License. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "'Entirely.' journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' writer." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the was used.' writers could invent nothing more crude." chill to my heart. "But she could not love him." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I his grey eyes. in this way: however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too stepfather?" he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Chief Executive and Director There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported careless servant girl?" "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend easy-going way." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical IS happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself it with his own hands." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to-night's adventure." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more plantation.' wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Ample." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets should be so warm over such a trifle." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes again before evening." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Why serious?" from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from was keenly on my guard against him. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Your sister is dead, then?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Yes, certainly." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Who by?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, matter." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who You can understand that this register and diary may implicate traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." his face. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the ceiling. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, should be so warm over such a trifle." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who