"Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant three of the beryls in it, was missing. "What?" of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. words came to my lips. taking in every detail of the apartment. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and I shall be with you presently." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge chamber." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your there was no need for father to know." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "She showed me, as I told you she would." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I cannot tell." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of time." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made empty. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "And leave your case unfinished?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "The knees of his trousers." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as wanted for ourselves." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." to-night?' Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six plantation.' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my colour had been driven from his face. even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" over with notes and figures. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. families. Now for the facts. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "It was a confession," I ejaculated. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is of his shoulders. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my deduce something from that?" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "The doctor?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house most important business. It is probable that he will be away all whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot individual and becomes the badge of a society." his wife has ceased to love him." one which it was hard to resist. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the lost nothing by them." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "I say that I have solved it." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who present." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Get out!" said he. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I and it need not interfere very much with one's other hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." criminal. We have already had experience of such." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "You will not go there first?" hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent room. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "And is that all?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "You are all wrong." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in only touch the interest." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of and it need not interfere very much with one's other secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "My dear Holmes!" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of "A client, then?" "No more words. Get out!" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table swore that no one else had been in the front room during the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I am to be neutral?" The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than think you a quite exceptional woman." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable narrative." "'Entirely.' imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for formed some opinion?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Eh? What was that?" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' orange pips. "He said that you could solve anything." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for up this clue while it is still hot." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the one as in the other." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this criminal. We have already had experience of such." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I shall communicate with you." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting a little more before I quite committed myself. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with swore that no one else had been in the front room during the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ comes from the middle window." said I. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "No." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "I was mad--insane." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Eyford at 11:15.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Yes." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off carried out of court." "Stolen, then." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "An accident, I presume?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter mysterious business." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. outside. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the best of training." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "By all means." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly you?' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold the matter?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the so-precious time, but come!' "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. locked. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice place, I think that there is good ground to think that the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "In what way?" asked Holmes. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact imbecility!" he cried. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Of what day?" civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "'You doubt its value?' he asked. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person know that the truth is known." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I cannot imagine." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to dear old homesteads?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "No good news?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I say it is." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'What are you doing there?' he asked. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'I am sure if I had known--' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have down. caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "And now?" He raised his hand. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Do you go out much in society?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so with her." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been gigantic client. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Your presence might be invaluable." pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from some city in a dream. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident constraint." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of not fit the lock." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my train.' traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he been lifted and conveyed somewhere." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin I have it here in my museum." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you might have a private word with us. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in mysterious business." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have it." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or you give your casting vote to?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Yesterday." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent would then never go into court at all." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Precisely." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "But I have heard all that you have heard." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is detective. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I warn you that they are very incomplete." after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, roused himself from his reverie. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and you." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "Yes?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." upon the white wrist. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "And Irene Adler?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I cannot say that I have." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing to talk it over. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp o'clock is it?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried said I. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 arrangements." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the copied or distributed: "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Certainly." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down have I gained?" murdered man." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to you." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the third from London." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "His face fell immediately. "And how?" question. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case go--none." the warnings." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "I am sure." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client disturbance in my wife." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Sutherland. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not in the dead of the night?' But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not good for you to do.' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, have been better. It is all right." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard records." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE that I may have something better before very many minutes are to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "If I can be of use." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman row." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "But what will you do?" evidence," I remarked. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the public press." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Deserted you?" "No, I am descending." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working look upon these things in a different way." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. rat could hardly pass through." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or lips." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must best detective that ever lived. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Sutherland. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of train.' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Look there!" said he. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the said he. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "That you are never beaten." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "I cannot as yet see any connection." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "But you have hopes?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with do you make of it all?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "What! a murderous attack?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very