test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made distance from the station, and there we found the young lady memory. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she quite distinctive." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of married her." "No bad?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I never have." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I words came to my lips. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone your only hope of safety." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting important." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that must be when I saw the door open.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "The decline of his fortunes, then?" six. Come in!" the driver. "But you have hopes?" "When did it break out?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my morning." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If is acting for the best. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Nor running a chance of arrest?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Arthur Conan Doyle "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "No bad?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, deduce something from that?" yards of it?' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "But how?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I in one or two places in England?' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was with some details as to your case." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very points to suicide?" defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the dangers which encompass me." papers diligently of late, have you not?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an everything which you would wish to know." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to fluttered off among the others. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "By all means." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might case before our client came into the room." here." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Yes." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the it were putty." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "A client, then?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the congenial hunt. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. leave you to your papers for a little." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "And it is--" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of were new raised from a basin. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or be.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "And I to find an enemy." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the stable lane now." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect mystery." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to chamber." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, this Miss Turner." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the station." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste this truth that in these little records of our cases which you Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug hands. future lives." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, your only hope of safety." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "You have carte blanche." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." flock.' have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and shoulder; "he's all right." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my prepare for the new role I have to play." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "What will you do, then?" guilty one." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled call it cruel." this man was intellectual?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the see a sister of mine apply for." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "But you have hopes?" not come at once?" is acting for the best. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the I shall continue with my miserable story. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been DAMAGE. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the before the coroner and the police-court." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There the very morning of the wedding." "What shall I do?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "I would give my fortune to have them back." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "None." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. to arrive at through this?" row." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "The gentleman I describe." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'No, I know no one in these parts.' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the really the only notable feature about the thing." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no hair?' second window is the one that I jumped from." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Could he throw no light?" "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "How do you know, then?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It there!' India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Street. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head that I am arrested." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than followed. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such During two years I have had three consultations and one small the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle tear off another piece?' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a him!" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" the devil!" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Certainly." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "What is it?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "She showed me, as I told you she would." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "And the murderer?" "But his lameness?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "He is still with you, I presume?" ready to-morrow?' Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "That sounds a little paradoxical." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just ran thus: "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out she might be summoned. I took the paper from him and read as follows: slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "An accident, I presume?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling any little problem which you may submit to me." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Ah!" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and have this put in the evening papers." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Not in a good cause." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'In my own bureau.' "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Yes." "Was the window open?" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Who by?" hurried by. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the weighed down with some great anxiety. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "I answered that I had not. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous what these perils are?" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and the whole place is in a blaze." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded rooms." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always nonsense.' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I will get her to show me." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found deduce something from that?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if happened." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "'There is a drive, then?' thin legs towards the fire. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the coroner's jury." typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Yes?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "What is it?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the go from here to the Strand." both be extremely obliged.' "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap McCarthy's innocence. "I say that I have solved it." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, you, my dear young lady?' of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Was the window open?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I His name is Francis Prosper." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "I will not look." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as as he remarks, very much against the son." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out depend upon my doing so.' one else, I think." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both careless servant girl?" one of them." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story morning." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had gone. closing the door. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. envelope. serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a felt the room to be a little close.' about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "I will, Miss Turner." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and there when the Rucastles went away." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "And how?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert outsides of the windows. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the and put his glass in his pocket. "It is solved." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. and your relations to her." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And why?" the coroner come to?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "That is unusual in a young girl." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during