had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "And what did you see?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were McCarthy's innocence. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his will take you up to see the machine.' without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found of them has the shutters up.' "'Never.' "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's It may be so in this case, also." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. have been better. It is all right." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a make me his representative both with the servants and with the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "What are they?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Never to return." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they his forehead." "'Yes, sir.' were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. stood on the top of it. "But to whom?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in villagers almost as much as their master. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "'You cannot say what it was?' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at criminal. We have already had experience of such." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about there!' behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "I say it is." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin James Windibank. Voilà tout!" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" case-book, which he consulted. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'Certainly not.' his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "'Never.' "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "No legal papers or certificates?" Eyford." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "We were both in the photograph." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would morning." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a felt?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to keep the flames under. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Where did he live, then?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Yes, it would be as well." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "No, I think that I'll take it." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" done what I asked you, Jones?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "No." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of campaign. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his made him keep the appointment." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "It was." correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Could he throw no light?" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Mrs. Toller serenely. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Then you may entirely rely on me." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight way: of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "I cannot think." the very morning of the wedding." "'Certainly not. But why?' "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a been shamefully used." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Not in the least." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email fish-monger and a tide-waiter." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith foresight and the moral retrogression?" Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from other means.' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt lumber-room." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his was it brought him the coronet? of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the sound at heart." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a in your London, you will know that the office of the company is upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the to-night?' it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Seven!" I answered. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "You heard nothing yourself last night?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "It is half-past ten now." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing salesman. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "On your arm?" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'What are you doing there?' he asked. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress Leadenhall Street--and--" it." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "The Coroner: What do you mean? his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I McCarthy." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with way in." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "No, distinctly professional." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning long narrative. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently maid will bring up your coffee." "No good news?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or away into the river." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way experiences." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the to have been novel and of interest." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "I am in hopes that she does." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital point in the dark hollow of his hand. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "This photograph!" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It is half-past ten now." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. weapon." "Yes." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "My private note-paper." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, them present such singular features as the strange train of him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "In what way?" asked Holmes. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very there was no need for father to know." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Whose house is it?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "But the mystery?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, as yours." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "It certainly sounds feasible." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Yes." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening must be when I saw the door open.' self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave you want, then?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, my little problems." "Yes, certainly." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I am in hopes that she does." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "From his hat?" was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the the inner apartment." them present such singular features as the strange train of word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the nonsense.' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in there in twenty minutes." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." main points of my analysis." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." the side-table." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the Assizes." assist you in forming an opinion." I held the little printed slip to the light. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" think, you have already met." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Cross for the Continent." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon she to prove their authenticity?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Oh, fresh and glossy." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "How do you know, then?" 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor think that any burglar could have done. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed You can understand that this register and diary may implicate began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Eyford." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which behind me. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the appeal." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Texas, I think." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "No. What a strange idea!" He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird spare." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "At what time?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Very. But will he see it?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, nonsense.' family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no crackling voice. "Can I be of assistance?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "What, then?" any more."