Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate derbies." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "An enemy?" o'clock is it?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "A call for help, you thought?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Whose house is it?" "Then I do not see the point." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about washing it down with a long draught of water. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'Most admirably.' "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will despaired of." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was present." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Eyford at 11:15.' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "None." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which again before evening." advice." "The rest you will leave in our hands." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "We must sit without light. He would see it through the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the woman." appeared upon the scene." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "What have you done?" asked Holmes. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Henry Baker is a member." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George could go. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora what I may call a really hard day's work." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's throat." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been approach us with offers to donate. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of from the brougham. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' better in every way that they should make their position a little scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit his wife has ceased to love him." tapping his fingers upon the table. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." lectures into a series of tales." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my horse could go." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' feature." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into my former friend and companion. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As client, rising. waste of energy." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be telegram would bring me down to your help." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Was your sister dressed?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay throat." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to client, rising. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on foot. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve if only as a check to my own memory." fat-encircled eyes. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little indeed happy." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has official police." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Nearly eleven." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not directors have had misgivings upon the subject." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I cannot think." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There of receipt of the work. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "A call for help, you thought?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "And how have you succeeded?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no to surprise her." side. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "And the cigar-holder?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Literary Archive Foundation secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I never have." table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Pray do so." the one as in the other." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Not in the least." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. like that before?" gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew congratulate you again." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by you?' "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me new duties?' passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day derbies." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it DAMAGE. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came more terrible than the truth. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "It is possible." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between tightly behind him. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Where did he live, then?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, never came back." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to have that photograph." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "My last client of the sort was a king." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "And leave your case unfinished?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you is entirely a question of barometric pressure." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, this remarkable episode. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite power." the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love opportunities to fix the problem. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Breckinridge is his name." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point his cane at the bell-pull. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under green of the new foliage. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Your French gold?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. business at Coburg Square is serious." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "My photograph." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of bird of prey. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'Quite sure, dad.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the inner apartment." "Very. But will he see it?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And why?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I do." footfalls from the street. "At what time?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the soul! here is her carriage at the door." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable remarked. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My fish-monger and a tide-waiter." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I correct than the official force." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. License. You must require such a user to return or When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual allusion to a rat. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I saw her in conversation with her maid." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you used to be." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of opportunities to fix the problem. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I was sure that I might rely on you." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I would give my fortune to have them back." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I don't believe it." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide are windows in it, of course?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, will not take me long to tell. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But acquaintance?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Who by?" a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This information in his hands the value of which he did not himself all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "And help." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in presented more singular features than that which was associated perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Where, indeed?" DISSOLVED. them present such singular features as the strange train of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Well?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "And Miss Sutherland?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "But his lameness?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed drove away. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the King without delay." made him keep the appointment." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my official police." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "I am sure." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and lumber-room." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "My last client of the sort was a king." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us shoulder. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "It was an hour's good drive." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of ourselves in the office." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "On Monday." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the was used.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in read it out to me." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been cost them two and thirty pounds." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to were unconscious?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never said he, "my real name is James Ryder."