his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "But you have hopes?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. clanging. "Have you it here?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy not come at once?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right meant." "'There is a drive, then?' which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What I expected to see." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining down in his armchair and closing his eyes. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Stoke Moran." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I am still in the dark." "No, finished." it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is you in your example." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "I have a cab outside." what these perils are?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "What then?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Yes, certainly." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a society." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his and the church but not where the lady lived." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in not come at once?" "From his hat?" "Did you observe the colour?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform points in connection with it which never have been, and probably quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I am armed." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." trying to your nerves." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study burst into a hearty fit of laughter. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Sholtos." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. again." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that he has suffered." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely congenial hunt. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that as yours." open." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "How on earth--" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. call you and give you the chance." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a him to go away.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies detained." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind fattened it expressly for you.' "No, I had a dozen." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "What, then, did Peterson do?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Breckinridge is his name." he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and noting anything else of interest. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "But how?" gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "In which, sir?" from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his be sorry for having acted so harshly." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security get her out of the way." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "The King of Scandinavia." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Do you know him?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding that, and I came down." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "'Why that?' I asks. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "'How far from the body?' brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to developed." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker during that time.' undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If strength in the others." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE important." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Mary, has deserted me." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'What do you call purely nominal?' nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of guilty one." my secret was safe in his possession. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Quite so. She has her freedom." in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need late!' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. shall not find me ungrateful." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Proceed, then." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, fatally injured? utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further to-night?" I asked. "One of his hands." of a light. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the were new raised from a basin. never came back." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then you may entirely rely on me." mysterious business." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I washing it down with a long draught of water. the running down." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And is that all?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'I shall certainly be there.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Your French gold?" exactly what you advise." "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, in him." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such not within a twentieth part of the market price." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true imbecility!" he cried. "And you thought he was pulled back?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all IS The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside to a light-house. him to go away.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard breakfast." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the it were putty." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. this remarkable episode. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the arms and began to sob in a high treble key. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her footfalls from the street. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat telegram would bring me down to your help." sneer upon his pale face. "Of what day?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "I am still in the dark." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with you." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I was mad--insane." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "You think so, too?" long narrative. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. to his chemical studies. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under straighten it?" happened." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a manager. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Quite so. She has her freedom." which we had just quitted. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door shall not find me ungrateful." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon there when the Rucastles went away." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the coronet in his hands?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, strength." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted that, and I came down." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "And Irene Adler?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "That sounds a little paradoxical." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Indeed! Whose, then?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the morning." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than seem to you to be relevant or not." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His at once, for I have only half an hour." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the Chief Executive and Director key turn in the lock." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two laugh and put his lips to my ear. clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a were wasted." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there side. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." gbnewby@pglaf.org the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but father's place of business?" suddenly upon us." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." "Absolutely none." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Eyford at 11:15.' pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Have you it here?" cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'How far from the body?' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of it with his own hands." some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the went to the Alpha were town bred." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to wedding?" would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would without success. At last the little money which I had saved began advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage records." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her