Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, bonnet, and went out." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three present." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of acted in my house last night?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it present." Watson," he said cordially. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Yes, but only for you and me." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." eat it." with frightened eyes at his accuser. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "No more words. Get out!" not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But you have hopes?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "It is possible." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger hard-headed British jury." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." ashen face. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom breakfast." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination detective. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. think that any burglar could have done. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong whole matter to your consideration." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can present strange and interesting features that it is no easy were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Entirely." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a so far?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst questioning and rather startled gaze. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so of Fenchurch Street." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the not come at once?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" is a common subject for conversation. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Have you it here?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a joking. detective. and a shock of very red hair. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police as yours." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever in darkness. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "'Certainly not. But why?' boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria good for you to do.' always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Yesterday." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "No bad?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon in this way: breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I am still in the dark." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Never." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of crowd. "What?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Get out!" said he. waste of energy." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "How do you know, then?" "Yes, sir." "What can it mean?" I gasped. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was on re-entering her father's house?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' letters?" License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "I have my revolver," said I. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "And from a noble client?" "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Heh?' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if there!' lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. carried out of court." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." weighed down with some great anxiety. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "You have compromised yourself seriously." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was exactly what you advise." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her other, as fresh and trim as possible. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of digesting their breakfasts at home." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "And Irene Adler?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and outbreak?" cost them two and thirty pounds." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." nights." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Holmes, the busybody!" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Come in!" said he. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically name is different." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. arrangements." window when the police appeared." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a reach." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "'Certainly,' I answered. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the it." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London of a light. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. will take you up to see the machine.' "My dear Holmes!" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always clang of the bell. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Absolutely none." overpowering excitement and concern. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, lost his Christmas dinner." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked a very grave face. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first carriage. It was a chestnut." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too that threaten you." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own rose-bushes. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "That is not always so easy." Holmes' room. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, head. So long, then!" good-night and bustled off upon her way. visitors." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect during that time.' "And sit in the dark?" you came in." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." be.' that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace straighten it?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It surprised me." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the general public were present, then?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Eh? What was that?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much Sholtos." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "VIOLET HUNTER." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Yes?" "Yes, the wine-cellar." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Was there a secret marriage?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "Were they all fastened this morning?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "Then he might have called to you?" advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which one's self under obligations.' Eyford at 11:15.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Yes." find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly yourselves in at night?" drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the best of training." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the so-precious time, but come!' I shall communicate with you." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have that there was nothing in it, after all." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the armchair which I pushed forward for him. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously his cane at the bell-pull. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny one or two very singular points about this room. For example, hurried away. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found neither fascinating nor artistic." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is late." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and noting anything else of interest. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Then you may be so with me." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You have but to name it." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "How long did she speak to this Alice?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the the salesman. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in is acting for the best. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" murdered man." himself. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the 'please.'" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing fishes. think, you have already met." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her the nursery. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that him." "And why in hopes?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but 11:15.' trying to your nerves." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Count Von Kramm." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Sutherland?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. you." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that man. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under who was a member of your goose club." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." companion quietly. "Really! You surprise me." gives a meaning to it." Watson," he said cordially. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "At what time?" "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just situation." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The have I gained?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's notes," he said. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "What I expected to see."