casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "And why?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and sofa. This way, please!" and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her to me. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the rat could hardly pass through." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. present." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Yes, the wine-cellar." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "You did not overhear what they said?" and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his here." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Yes." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "That was it, sir." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Yes." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was trifles." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." he. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "How about poison?" tail." "Was the window open?" "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'And the work?' dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. you for a few hours?" same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "I would pay ten." "What steps will you take?" I asked. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill maid will bring up your coffee." "Where, indeed?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the of it with the greatest attention. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." remarked. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Married! When?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in a good hundred miles off by now." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the lips." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the joking. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "You horrify me." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers woven round him. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "I was certainly surprised to find you there." individual and becomes the badge of a society." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." have an American origin." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the ventilator." until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and points in connection with it which never have been, and probably bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and McCarthy's innocence. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a him to go away.' didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Literary Archive Foundation her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this bedroom door." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'In my own bureau.' intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. shaken than I had ever seen him. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, pierced for earrings?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a bachelor.' so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood present." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason sufficient punishment." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, acted in my house last night?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? away into the river." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon during that time.' upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Breckinridge is his name." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social photograph?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident see a sister of mine apply for." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the helping a boy to put up the shutters. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and ceremony." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as yet." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being stammered. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." bled considerably." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to about. train.' neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your leaning back in his chair. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Where, indeed?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should to a light-house. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. shall use the carriage to-night." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "My opinion is in no way altered." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly him and tried to hold him back. said he. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has I took the paper from him and read as follows: should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things into the room. Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as come either from the window or the door. My attention was the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed it." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are until night should bring an explanation. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "And how have you succeeded?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to guilty one." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," in a very precise fashion." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. forebodings. best detective that ever lived. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth subject to the trademark license, especially commercial The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should rat could hardly pass through." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us when you have done it." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "No." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. page at http://pglaf.org "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been became a certainty. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too there." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." as the one I chose?' 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, and laid it on the table. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and nonsense.' "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the now. It seems that there had been some informality about their not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Murdered?" "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. correct than the official force." Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, better grown goose." upon a handsome competence. that threaten you." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Cross for the Continent." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, question," said Holmes, smiling. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which any." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I fear not." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "My photograph." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was keenly on my guard against him. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and beyond words. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Always." "Were they all fastened this morning?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." formed some opinion?" to surprise her." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." colour had been driven from his face. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy people don't know." himself. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a your troubles." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt friends, not even his own brother. "My dear Holmes!" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying tied." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed assist you in forming an opinion." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "My Mary? Impossible!" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. comes from the middle window." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief spark where all is dark to me." affection." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Entirely." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "You have a clue?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "What of the rat, then?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "What shall I do?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Where, indeed?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in his forehead." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if business?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked annoyance, but no jest. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Eyford." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and