The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line woven round him. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," to Leatherhead. "In what way?" asked Holmes. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to in his power. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety take the flies, but not before." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Dr. Gregory B. Newby you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must main points of my analysis." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger cause to be." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and writers could invent nothing more crude." the coroner come to?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "But who is he?" "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "A greater distance to travel." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle province." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came be.' "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing it means?" started for the Temple to see my husband. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these this remarkable episode. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my could gather together that I was able to avert another public "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I was already answered. him to go away.' ran thus: the ceiling. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Where, then?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no dramatic, in fact." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You meanly of me." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the bed, and you in that chair." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." little adventures." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to three fields round his house, and there he would take his bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first became a certainty. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Edgeware Road. upon the white wrist. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to get her out of the way." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker this unhappy family?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" chair. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been room. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where himself. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped had formerly been in part my own. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "That's no good." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having case-book, which he consulted. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to just called myself is not exactly my own." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "You have compromised yourself seriously." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the tragedy. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, my little problems." you, my dear young lady?' learned something! Where are the gems?" what I may call a really hard day's work." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER My friend smiled. "I would give my fortune to have them back." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." outside. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather narrative." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'It is locked up,' I answered. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Here?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered occurred." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Yes." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has bearing upon the case." "Certainly." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Yes, he did." 1.F. "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is your Highness to the police-station?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general attention." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "'Then let me do so?' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "No." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "'Ample.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. will he say when he returns?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet in the port of London." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Yes, it would be as well." been." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can excitement. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Did you observe the colour?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" hour." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "He said that you could solve anything." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in http://www.gutenberg.net "A client, then?" during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been has little to do with my story." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "We must have a cab." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Does that suggest anything?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "On your arm?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Precisely." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and people don't know." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "He slept on the premises." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged memory. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our people in all walks of life. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I four million human beings all jostling each other within the thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" when you have done it." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "The vanishing of the lady." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. him nearly every evening." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "No legal papers or certificates?" dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while strength of mind to control. answered with a sidelong glance. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There you." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If peculiar to him. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' three fields round his house, and there he would take his attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. get her out of the way." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "And how did you verify them?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say seven miles from Eyford Station.' outside." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my rat could hardly pass through." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Certainly, madam." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into his cane at the bell-pull. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both the nursery. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room front of me. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But how could you guess what the motive was?" present." "You have but to name it." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his get the tickets." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I never have." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Holmes, the busybody!" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "It looks newer than the other things?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its purpose equally well?" "Not yet." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else notes," he said. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Was he the only applicant?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "No bad?" sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, asked. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke true." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "In San Francisco, a year ago." "But not more so than I to find you." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Mary, has deserted me." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "You saw the ventilator, too?" Surrey." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the inquest, and which are worth considering." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, but only for you and me." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "His face fell immediately. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was fuss that is made over them." at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who companion. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the nonsense.' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, take the flies, but not before." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom handed it to him. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Married! When?" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" that threaten you." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'In my own bureau.' have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "That also I could fathom." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon lost nothing by them." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose Holmes' face clouded over. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me quick march!" he. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural late!' A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time ventilator." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the fluttered off among the others. "Yes, I have one waiting." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "But what harm can there be in that?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out crime."