matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a business in the City. She little knew what. national property. I was determined that the law should have its entirely devoid of interest." at a side door. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a client, rising. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a your sleep?' continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to this as likely?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Which are?" galvanised. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his never came back." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Dark enough and sinister enough." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the did not hear it also.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "What do you mean?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Henry Baker is a member." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made footfalls from the street. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have astonishment. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a a good hundred miles off by now." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the devil!" "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "I do." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I am all attention, madam." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an you." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite indeed happy." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the coronet in his hand?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" face and glided from the room. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Stoke Moran?" said he. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'What then?' I asked. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to placed his cuttings. provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and there were one or two details which were new to me. But the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort true." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these way: hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that wedding?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, would then never go into court at all." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Chief Executive and Director rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." bachelor.' "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "He slept on the premises." of it with the greatest attention. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Then the page we have seen--" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "I was sure that I might rely on you." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I don't say that. Perhaps." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Did you observe the colour?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your have an American origin." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" shoulder; "he's all right." This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me fluttered off among the others. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had passage and a tap at the door. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had said he. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I not, dad?" she asked. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I cannot think." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon as this. Pray let me have the details." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate could not account in any way for the presence of the missing other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Watson," he said cordially. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "'What are you doing there?' he asked. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, closely." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper one of them." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that upon the shelf for the interim." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but door?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "'In my own bureau.' begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled already referred to. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Yes." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather a little more before I quite committed myself. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "Stoke Moran?" said he. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Yes." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "No more words. Get out!" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on an introduction to him?" was a lad." strong and stiff." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this narrative." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Yes, that is the Crown." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. hurried away. results." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good noble correspondent could be. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The "Here?" my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "I will, Miss Turner." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I held the little printed slip to the light. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I cannot imagine." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital begun to whiten, even as mine has." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "This photograph!" "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What will you say?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call to his chemical studies. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." arrangements." kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute chambers. hurried away. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Your French gold?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "And how did you verify them?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "'Certainly,' I answered. "Yes, from Horsham." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." rat could hardly pass through." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his My friend smiled. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are little trying to do so much typewriting?" married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Yes, he did." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the devil!" "Certainly." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to photograph?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that has little to do with my story." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such hands. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." colour had been driven from his face. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink place of silver." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet everything which you would wish to know." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very entirely devoid of interest." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, shoulder; "he's all right." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "And when will you call?" "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them depend upon your compliance." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "What shall I do?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly prepare for the new role I have to play." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "It is very clear." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a I think that I could be of assistance to you." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of knowledge of the world." papers diligently of late, have you not?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I cannot say that I have." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "Pray tell us what has happened to you." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, you, my dear young lady?' difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Murdered?" to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "'A dozen yards or so.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with cost them two and thirty pounds." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness views." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "My dear Holmes!" it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon there in twenty minutes." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small crime." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Gutenberg-tm License. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his chemical work which was so dear to him. the side-table." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it companion. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it I approached. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary