I held the little printed slip to the light. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the of campaign. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," ventilator." in one or two places in England?' "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked of a light. quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. Watson," he said cordially. "How many? I don't know." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the general public were present, then?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "May I see it?" at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, yourselves in at night?" "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he habit of advancing money.' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on suspect him." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon again, where I was soon asleep. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Very well, sir. And this stone?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, I nodded to show that I had heard. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs events than those which have happened in my own family." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that at a side door. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "Not I." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Absolutely none." prepare for the new role I have to play." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "You did not overhear what they said?" of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the noble correspondent could be. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "You have it, sir, just as it happened." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Only as much as we can deduce." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. once more for Briony Lodge. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father touch that coronet?' not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would colour had been driven from his face. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's brought there to personate someone, and the real person is one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "But I am all in the dark." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The doctor?" Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of tell me that you intended to go into harness." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of photograph a cabinet?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Then I am your man." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "None." matter." Where does the thing come from?' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "I would give my fortune to have them back." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. which was all perfectly true. he bowed and left the room without another word. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to as this. Pray let me have the details." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." and capable of preserving a secret.' that you wished to speak to me?' "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I his face. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend with frightened eyes at his accuser. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "No, thank goodness, she did not." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "10th. John Swain cleared. "I have solved it." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the that he will be back before evening." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Where to?' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is him to go away.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end fait accompli?" unprofitable." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely I shall continue with my miserable story. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE gone. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp gentleman's clothes. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Do you receive much company?" he asked. Project Gutenberg-tm works. know all about it," he snarled. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "By no means." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "That is not always so easy." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "I would pay ten." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Farm upon the left." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and crackling voice. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the other, as fresh and trim as possible. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and laid it on the table. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's main points of my analysis." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Your presence might be invaluable." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Sutherland. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. of Mr. Rucastle's." both be extremely obliged.' against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who was not a bird to be seen there. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Then, how do you know?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "On your arm?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Could he throw no light?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in call it cruel." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," of fine shops and stately business premises that they really accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained his eyes and forehead. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of vanished into the darkness. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "How can you tell that?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and amused." remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "What have you to say now?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet John Swain, of St. Augustine. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Why serious?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "No." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "It is no ordinary one." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "So it appears." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, delighted to hear it," he said. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which dates and names. "It is very clear." spare." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few whether it answered to the description of any of their dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "But your client--" to miss it." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. existence." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "And I." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very and no precautions can guard against." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the ceiling. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to unkempt, staring out at me. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Then the page we have seen--" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Awake, Watson?" he asked. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "But how?" blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill into the bag, and made for the door. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed row." placed his cuttings. I. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "My private note-paper." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. allusion to a rat. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily mystery!" she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." purpose of examination. "It is possible." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with dramatic, in fact." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and gigantic client. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Perhaps I have." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Game for a morning drive?" true." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'Never.' fattened it expressly for you.' at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "9th. McCauley cleared. was already answered. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. bird of prey. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An you in yours." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." thin legs towards the fire. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one bore every mark of being an average commonplace British be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, to some other building. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. had a long day." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." infinite languor in his face. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise even so self-evident a thing as that." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, what is your own theory as to what took place?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah furiously. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient