"Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles have I gained?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "I assure you that I am in your hands." there!' "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "It was an hour's good drive." not within a twentieth part of the market price." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential ordinary clothes on?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Get out!" said he. forehead. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are been anything against him. He had for years been known as a about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "It was a confession," I ejaculated. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the make me his representative both with the servants and with the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that will he say when he returns?" or in danger--" with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside tell him that I know him to be innocent." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under ourselves in the office." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for the station." "That is not always so easy." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I During two years I have had three consultations and one small that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." retorted upon me, and I on you." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "But how?" his face. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself interest. They are important, you understand, without being customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Precisely so. But how--" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Was she in good spirits?" "I shall be delighted." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of o'clock is it?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will that the gas is not laid on in his house?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Witness: I must still refuse. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon and wait." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly cause to be." up this clue while it is still hot." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with tell them apart.' "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all used to be." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite congenial hunt. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And your mother is alive?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Certainly." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "But we can't all be." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had October 9, 1890. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted man. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face infinite languor in his face. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "You don't mind breaking the law?" successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you know what is wrong with it.' "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Yes." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was locked." "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or you do it in twenty minutes!' "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the them?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "And Miss Sutherland?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. through." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "Then I shall certainly come." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "She told me to ask you." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to seem to you to be relevant or not." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he there was no need for father to know." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "His face fell immediately. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his straighten it?" shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It you for a few hours?" partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City telegram would bring me down to your help." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "It is possible." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the keep the flames under. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, some city in a dream. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Because he was handy and would come cheap." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "VIOLET HUNTER." your bag." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was bedroom door." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'Stolen!' he cried. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent this Miss Turner." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and and it need not interfere very much with one's other said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had head. So long, then!" "'And the work?' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Perfectly so." "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant vague figure huddled up in the darkness. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for experiences." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our be sorry for having acted so harshly." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent once more to my work. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded there in twenty minutes." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, room. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the be there in time for your coming." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an ago." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to in darkness. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. fire. You quite follow me?" was lame." "I promise," said Holmes. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our get the tickets." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "A call for help, you thought?" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, point in the dark hollow of his hand. "But how did you gain them?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the little opening for the ventilator is." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the bell. Holmes whistled. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, society." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal invisible to me," I remarked. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see tension within him. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "I cannot tell." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "She showed me, as I told you she would." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I have seen the police." October 9, 1890. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "That is possible." "I don't say that. Perhaps." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, His name is Francis Prosper." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Yes." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, some city in a dream. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. over with notes and figures. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "How are you getting on?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if see me here to avoid scandal." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the coronet at all injured?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Yes, the wine-cellar." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his carpenter." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was whereabouts. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Witness: I must still refuse. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your straighten it?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Witness: Nothing definite. been able to understand it, in a very few words. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "I cannot tell." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in I nodded again. success. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no despair." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "The Cedars?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might thought that she would have been so carried away." "My Mary? Impossible!" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Dark enough and sinister enough." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said cause to be." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in enter Dr. Roylott's room." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "There is the writing." strength." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Witness: It was. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very which our visitor detailed to us. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Did your wife hear all this?" events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "What! You do not mean bodies?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Seven!" I answered. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." night.' said he. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project new duties?' (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all him nearly every evening." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of I shall continue with my miserable story. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate future lives." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "This photograph!" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of foot. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is of the vacancies.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The question," said Holmes, smiling. dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded absorbing." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "None." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Sutherland?" stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the definite end. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Farm upon the left." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until populous neighbourhood." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you which was all perfectly true. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some