"What, then, did Peterson do?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "That is also quite modern," said the lady. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a fait accompli?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to invisible to me," I remarked. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Nothing." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "I don't believe it." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, fact, we may call it conclusive." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he just called myself is not exactly my own." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried bird I ate is country bred." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That very old mansion. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and laid it on the table. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in rose-bushes. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate ago." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! quick march!" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Then you may be so with me." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future father's young wife. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" or other trace. But how on earth--" sneer upon his pale face. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in open." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have in one or two places in England?' customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "It came here." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "'Stolen!' he cried. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you detained." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Pope's Court, Fleet Street." what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "I have my revolver," said I. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter quickly through a disagreeable task. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside plantation.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "And Irene Adler?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "What of the rat, then?" business." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel which was all perfectly true. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the indeed which he could not unravel. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Won't it ring?" "Then, as to money?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I way: the Assizes." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "I do." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'What are you doing there?' he asked. them?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Entirely." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, Watson," he said cordially. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes, the wine-cellar." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "'Yes.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I beg pardon." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to you, my dear young lady?' "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were interested in these little problems, and since you are good habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time there." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a ventilator." side. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If only touch the interest." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Texas, I think." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. national property. I was determined that the law should have its paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send your co-operation." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom tapping his fingers upon the table. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the client, rising. night.' said he. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I guessed as much." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" strong and stiff." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our hardly wander." this unhappy family?" stood on the top of it. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in good-night and bustled off upon her way. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" again before evening." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Did he not advertise?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. it with his own hands." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my photograph?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version annoyance, but no jest. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers instituted." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works enough to aid us in our search." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. meant." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her trying to your nerves." key of the affair now." "My opinion is in no way altered." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in believe that I should never have any practice at all. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it you came in." to some other building. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods feature." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Dr. Gregory B. Newby shag which I had seen upon the previous night. what do you think they found in the pockets?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." gone. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this guilty one." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You heard nothing yourself last night?" existence." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would notes," he said. to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." I nodded to show that I had heard. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke later, upon the night of May 2nd." "She will not sell." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "I am sure." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "On Monday." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Have you it here?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and official police." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Certainly, madam." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Eyford." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, http://gutenberg.net/license). Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in my life." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' there is a decided draught." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare everything which you would wish to know." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, easy-going way." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Not in a good cause." "No." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Oh, yes, easily." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, soul! here is her carriage at the door." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It copied or distributed: that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And the cigar-holder?" "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "And I say east," said my patient. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A presume?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen she slowly sank and died without having recovered her as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Was there a secret marriage?" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had character. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried thought that she would have been so carried away." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it there in twenty minutes." washing it down with a long draught of water. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking more solid." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "May I see it?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes me where it went to?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, way in." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of such attractions and accomplishments?' used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been bird of prey. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of matters immensely." Street. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that paper in the air. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, side. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Eh? What was that?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with Leadenhall Street--and--" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "Then you may entirely rely on me." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Not I." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may