"The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. you." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in forebodings. like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the dangers which encompass me." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were several quiet little villages up there." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' even so self-evident a thing as that." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, your only hope of safety." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds place, I think that there is good ground to think that the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he handed it to him. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Is purely nominal.' "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "How did he come?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "You have the photograph?" of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, extraordinary contortions. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That also I could fathom." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an more terrible than the truth. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called into the bag, and made for the door. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had rat could hardly pass through." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, matters immensely." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming said he. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little young Openshaw's." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from London for the present?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several characteristics, but those are the more obvious." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that shoulder. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "You saw the ventilator, too?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "No more words. Get out!" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this tear off another piece?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo tell them apart.' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of from the brougham. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive minor matters until to-morrow." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though with you alone." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and the whole place is in a blaze." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the him to be an active member of the medical profession." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I existence." fled together." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible really the only notable feature about the thing." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one door?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my to you." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our comes from the middle window." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Entirely." "An accident, I presume?" grasp, he hurried from the room. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the few hundred pounds.' this poor creature." eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'And the work?' home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to not as remarkable as your advertisement." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an already referred to. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "'Quite sure, dad.' written, and locked the door of the office after me. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "'Certainly not.' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is possible." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all written. together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted became a certainty. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the pressing in one house as in another. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending there when the Rucastles went away." rooms." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "No, thank goodness, she did not." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I derbies." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an From what you have told me I think that it is possible that already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "No legal papers or certificates?" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to such attractions and accomplishments?' The telegram which we eventually received came late one night sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. so.' "But what harm can there be in that?" which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Oh, yes, easily." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to that open window." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some breakfast and whispered something to her husband. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was nonsense.' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith I was concerned in it." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Holmes rather sternly. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as in the port of London." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal you do it in twenty minutes!' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to of his shoulders. closely." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "No?" present." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." that he has suffered." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate my special province." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Look there!" said he. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "The rest you will leave in our hands." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his he bowed and left the room without another word. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was he. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better and no precautions can guard against." "No sign of it?" "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Certainly." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "And from a noble client?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." my friend's incisive reasoning. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called nonsense.' 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "No, my brougham is waiting." himself in a perplexing position. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Murdered?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Munro.' hardly wander." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no directors, with the result that you have seen." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I forebodings. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "What! You do not mean bodies?" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' my friend's incisive reasoning. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into at my own good fortune. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Indeed! Whose, then?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. manager. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "Then he might have called to you?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Edgeware Road. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed for securing the situation." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own the room while you explain this matter?" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "A thing like a cleaver," said he. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her prisoner's face. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Nothing." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose not within a twentieth part of the market price." golden eyeglasses. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into prepare for the new role I have to play." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Pray do so." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but allusion to a rat. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold galvanised. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Where, then, is my wife?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. so.' money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking already been minutely examined." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "BALLARAT." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Really! You surprise me." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "And help." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "How are you getting on?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I will do it." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were