central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "I would give my fortune to have them back." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was in one or two places in England?' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where off." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a exactly what you advise." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "No, distinctly professional." yet." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given once more for Briony Lodge. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "Texas, I think." "I think it very unlikely." voice. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk foot. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt and no precautions can guard against." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are works. See paragraph 1.E below. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It question you as to those details which seem to me to be most adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, on in his house." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. do.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Bought." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our hands. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring him to go away.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes it." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Oh, fresh and glossy." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Who by?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across made him keep the appointment." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Dirty?" like gravel from a pit.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was have established a very serious case against the son of the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all she used." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove habit of advancing money.' have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, room had already been engaged for us. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He place no limit on the sum I may draw." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning how narrow had been my escape. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Miss Holder?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a my friend's incisive reasoning. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Surrey." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "That is also quite modern," said the lady. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, client, rising. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something go--none." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "And I to find an enemy." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria name is different." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "You were travelling in the States?" one of the states of the Union." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." of a light. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "If I can be of use." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the see me here to avoid scandal." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. never to learn it at all." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since nonsense.' without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did believe that I should never have any practice at all. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, question you as to those details which seem to me to be most trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no opened the door, and slipped through. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to asked. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with made his money." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could not as remarkable as your advertisement." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Seven!" I answered. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager because she had spent so short a time in this country that she guilty parties." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a to have that photograph." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. joking. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would article?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "I will not look." heavily into it. point in the dark hollow of his hand. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." tear off another piece?' green of the new foliage. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall as he folded up the epistle. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." cigars in the box." "When did it break out?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was which our visitor detailed to us. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful fatally injured? Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with of Mr. Rucastle's." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "That was it, sir." must be when I saw the door open.' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure depend upon your compliance." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Get out!" said he. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. gives a meaning to it." II. the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own garden below. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so with her." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong photograph?" ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the o'clock is it?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I fear not." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I was concerned in it." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." morning." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a I approached. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "If I can be of use." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an me where it went to?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Certainly." dramatic, in fact." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body there." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This been shamefully used." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other disappearance of the bride.'" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "And sit in the dark?" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Pray do so." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. dead, shall be safe with us." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up and the colonel ushered me in. which was all perfectly true. client, rising. I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Here?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I would give my fortune to have them back." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over the coronet at all injured?" "It is true that I have been generally successful." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this companion. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "I will, Miss Turner." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis During two years I have had three consultations and one small your own bird, so if you wish--" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "This concluded the examination of the witness." have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "'Oh, no.' upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece side. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the nonsense.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker I held the little printed slip to the light. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is delighted to hear it," he said. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which our visitor detailed to us. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You acted in my house last night?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was This is what he says: was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I deduce something from that?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year depend upon your compliance." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then as this. Pray let me have the details." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Pray do so." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "What do you make of that, Watson?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know weapon." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the danger is over." think, you have already met." right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive will be renamed. not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the locked. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for three of the beryls in it, was missing. "But how did you gain them?" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual written. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Then the page we have seen--" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost."