muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at chance at all." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Then what has happened to him?" applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my in darkness. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique upon an income of about 60 pounds." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, interested in these little problems, and since you are good outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Then you may be so with me." asked. "Yes." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man chamber." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in morning." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "'Certainly not.' "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went when your master had gone out." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the iron safe, which he closed upon it. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed chance at all." guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at anything to do with the matter?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, these bleak autumnal evenings." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was his cane at the bell-pull. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, the ceiling. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut His name is Francis Prosper." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to away in different directions, and I went off to make my own in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable introspective fashion. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate followed. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, presented more singular features than that which was associated would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what village inn over there?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a a very grave face. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to keep the flames under. "How do you know, then?" examine." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Very much so." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught that he has suffered." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal frequently gained my first real insight into the character of and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which gone before you can get him to hospital." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "Yes, it would be as well." his eyes and forehead. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, he bowed and left the room without another word. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to 'please.'" pound a week." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his was a perfect sample of the class. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Well, some hundreds of times." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I have come for advice." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I should like to see him very much." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was nothing with him." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was it means?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried into the bag, and made for the door. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two even so self-evident a thing as that." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But me where it went to?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the she to prove their authenticity?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise Countess of Morcar's?" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in point in the dark hollow of his hand. horse could go." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "None. Neville wrote those words." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But how did you gain them?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The delighted to hear it," he said. Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three desk. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'Why that?' I asks. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, have an American origin." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "'Yes, it was gone.' States. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined extraordinary contortions. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Project Gutenberg-tm works. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able back alive. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Nothing?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Yes." to surprise her." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. It may be so in this case, also." weary and pale-looking. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, her also." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and the running down." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "My stepfather's business papers." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Tired-looking or fresh?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper legal crime." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Yes. He waved his hands." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Street. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." crime. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which London for the present?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the do.' "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "But not more so than I to find you." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she leaning back in his chair. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of there has been an enclosure here!" still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you at a side door. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet call for it in person on Monday morning.' lectures into a series of tales." "It looks newer than the other things?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'About the same.' "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "But his left-handedness." hurried by. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." again before evening." Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Street. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "You have but to name it." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my narrative." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at posted to-day." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than done what I asked you, Jones?" began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." that?' Miss Holder?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to other means.' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the Arthur Conan Doyle hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Deserted you?" Pool. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Yes. He waved his hands." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then throat." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, served to weaken the effect. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Oh, yes, easily." nights." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "And sit in the dark?" there has been an enclosure here!" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I cannot tell." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in to-night." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I was certainly surprised to find you there." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to them, and came down just as you departed. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a some city in a dream. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to of." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature begun to whiten, even as mine has." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "No bad?" "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few of a light. laugh and put his lips to my ear. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, from the brougham. "ARAT," I read. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his she to prove their authenticity?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an six. Come in!" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Holmes." "By all means." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most call for it in person on Monday morning.' d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Does that suggest anything?" snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the the child." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, throat." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "I am following you closely," I answered. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One done what I asked you, Jones?" adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and the whole place is in a blaze." "It surprised me." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to with her." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Two days later this same performance was gone through under her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "What steps will you take?" I asked. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety made him keep the appointment." nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Why, it's a dummy," said he. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, again before evening." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you mystery may be cleared along those lines." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement to surprise her." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Yes, the wine-cellar." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "But I am all in the dark." hair?' "And the murderer?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes emerged. "Very much so." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to hardly wander." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a murdered man." purpose equally well?" developed." never came back." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" clang of the bell. "Imitated."