"Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I am still in the dark." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "You horrify me!" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "There is the writing." to miss it." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Stolen, then." stood on the top of it. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Your presence might be invaluable." "I cannot say that I have." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was it brought him the coronet? controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Pope's Court. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head feature." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the our word." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I over here." sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where residence of the great financier. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend side. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and the colonel ushered me in. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk your sleep?' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this photograph?" outbreak?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I you." "Have you her photograph?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all villagers almost as much as their master. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall records." business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Was your sister dressed?" way in everything. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "What do you mean?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, was keenly on my guard against him. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the inquest, and which are worth considering." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my helping a boy to put up the shutters. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that dead, shall be safe with us." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been made him keep the appointment." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." that I am arrested." furiously. http://gutenberg.net/license). a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" appeal." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "I see many objections to any such theory." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I with you?" "'Where to?' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in time." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, You want to know what became of those geese?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. passage and a tap at the door. "My dear Holmes!" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what discontent upon his features. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to you?' beyond words. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "He is dead," cried several voices. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of chemical work which was so dear to him. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "He said too much." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, you want, then?' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Then I can wait in the next room." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely security.' "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, fuss that is made over them." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always burst into a hearty fit of laughter. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward ceremony." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "But the mystery?" Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a points to suicide?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Have you it here?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Foundation "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "There is the writing." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers my friend's incisive reasoning. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Yes." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a union?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. definite end. push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this emerged. "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I am to be neutral?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "Quite so." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper your own bird, so if you wish--" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut how narrow had been my escape. the matter." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, than was visible to me." ordinary clothes on?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "In San Francisco, a year ago." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Eyford at 11:15.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe enough to aid us in our search." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Married! When?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." habit of advancing money.' he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security third from London." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'Why that?' I asks. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "I say it is." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Will you bet, then?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "He disappeared so suddenly." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; recall any case within my experience which looked at the first As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Never." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and looked back. to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sound at heart." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in lost nothing by them." "Her father is very rich?" Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "We have tried and failed." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a upon an income of about 60 pounds." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other crackling voice. Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." overpowering excitement and concern. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Why did you pick him?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a answered with a sidelong glance. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that at my own good fortune. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Holmes' room. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Perhaps I have." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared The summons was a brief and urgent one. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in my life." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Sutherland. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long a monotonous occupation." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. tail." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Then I do not see the point." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "It was." highly," said Holmes. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As here and I will read it to you: "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you weighed down with some great anxiety. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself young Openshaw's." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for conceal it?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the weary and pale-looking. "Not particularly." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Holmes rather sternly. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a empty. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I say that I have solved it." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their the warnings." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "But how will you look?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were so far?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of giving me time to thank him. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch said he at last. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them