done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "The best possible." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they disturbance in my wife." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I what these perils are?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would allusion to a rat. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "What then?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Lestrade of Scotland Yard." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and cost them two and thirty pounds." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but overpowering excitement and concern. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have past. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is this man was intellectual?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the look dissatisfied." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence I was concerned in it." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can my friend's incisive reasoning. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "Indeed! Whose, then?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a But Holmes shook his head gravely. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase developed." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined mysterious end." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." breakfast?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "From his hat?" golden eyeglasses. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was less than 26s. 4d. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the tell him that I know him to be innocent." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "And from a noble client?" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the child?' of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had room had already been engaged for us. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Where, then?" "Then you may be so with me." "Why serious?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "You know me, then?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "Nothing?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "What shall I do?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." about. again, where I was soon asleep. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a new duties?' it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Did you observe the colour?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, what is your own theory as to what took place?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies was already answered. widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little a little more before I quite committed myself. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The gone. been shamefully used." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." and the whole place is in a blaze." to tell." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which begun to whiten, even as mine has." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I http://www.gutenberg.net that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came meant it for the best. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "None." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard into the room. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just asked. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. if I call to-morrow?" "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "An enemy?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted information in his hands the value of which he did not himself case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and events, Mr. Windibank!" might help us?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole ourselves in the office." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Certainly." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of meant." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The delighted to hear it," he said. thin legs towards the fire. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, distinguish the words: 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Sholtos." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" an introduction to him?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to have that photograph." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our handed it to him. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any strong and stiff." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "And I say east," said my patient. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free in his hands." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless friend's singular character. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, eat it." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the fattened it expressly for you.' the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of was lame." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical husband's writing, madam." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Could he throw no light?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten chambers. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets families. Now for the facts. seven miles from Eyford Station.' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "And how have you succeeded?" "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Dr. Becher's." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I not use it unless it is absolutely needed." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Surrey." never to learn it at all." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to talk it over. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly to that open window." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed colonel looking down at me. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Dr. Becher's." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I should be immensely obliged to you." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and than to us. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that I can to serve you." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." with you alone." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Then, how do you know?" fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he eavesdroppers?' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Pope's Court, Fleet Street." outside. "What will you say?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings you in yours." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Absolutely none." in his power. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Can I be of assistance?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study call you and give you the chance." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "What is it?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'Very good.' "'What then?' I asked. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "One of the highest in England." "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you made him keep the appointment." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from sparkled upon his finger. leave you to your papers for a little." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Yes, it would be as well." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a outside." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his cost them two and thirty pounds." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "It is to him that this trophy belongs." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project if she died from some sudden fright." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be unkempt, staring out at me. interests were the same as his." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know fish-monger and a tide-waiter." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big flock.' having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. had a long day." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "A confidential servant?" the stones. dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'And the work?' in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second was keenly on my guard against him. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "She will not sell." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an suspect him." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I should wish to." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It weigh very heavily upon my conscience." whether it answered to the description of any of their recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of important." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is important." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no respectable self." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may bachelor.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the over here." have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "But you have hopes?" miles off. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "We were both in the photograph." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Were they all fastened this morning?" her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "I am to be neutral?" at home. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual upon a handsome competence. assist you in forming an opinion." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "By no means." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" eat it." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of murdered man." distinguish the words: time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when 1.F. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. saw that they exactly fitted the tracks."