"'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That in my life." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have least a fellow-countryman. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each for securing the situation." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug flock.' machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Sholtos." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. business?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a this as likely?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Where, indeed?" be. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "No." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Upon what point?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I have hopes." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when room had already been engaged for us. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. despair." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were and effective." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be IS when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, case before our client came into the room." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at into the bag, and made for the door. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Well." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Ample.' my friend's incisive reasoning. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'Certainly not.' key turn in the lock." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, read it out to me." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has extraordinary contortions. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the and wait." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low official police." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a shoulder; "he's all right." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "You are hungry," I remarked. "And that is--" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened the date of his supposed suicide." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite not, dad?" she asked. started for the Temple to see my husband. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "It was an hour's good drive." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at garden below. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Oh, yes, easily." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Have you it here?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first Doctor, of the paper and the date." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the matter." locked. "What will you do, then?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." said I. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all you came in." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an indeed happy." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The was not a bird to be seen there. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "But what will you do?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if weapon." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Yes." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. key of the affair now." it." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "I would give my fortune to have them back." inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was visitors." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." charge against him will break down." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents foot. never came back." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of begun to whiten, even as mine has." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was directors, with the result that you have seen." the bottom.' "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "I was certainly surprised to find you there." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no weapon." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "How did you trace it, then?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "You are all wrong." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I views." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and in the hope of finding them." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet pierced for earrings?" "That is it on the dressing-table." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features his eyes and forehead. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Where to?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry use an arc-and-compass breastpin." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning the nursery. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, own family. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "None." the coronet in his hands?" "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced characteristics, but those are the more obvious." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "The King of Scandinavia." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Leadenhall Street--and--" located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with had a long day." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She other means.' "Nearly eleven." "Perfectly so." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "I answered that I had not. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet directors, with the result that you have seen." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' in his power. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and of a light. "And Irene Adler?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to tell." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know vault. time." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "To the police?" "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and the room while you explain this matter?" dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Mrs. Toller serenely. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no these bleak autumnal evenings." bled considerably." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it DAMAGE. "My dear Holmes!" copied or distributed: despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain front of me. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I have solved it." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I shall be delighted." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has hand, madam?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to security.' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "No good news?" collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "'Not at all. I only doubt--' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had congenial hunt. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled must be when I saw the door open.' "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which was already answered. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I leave you to your papers for a little." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a any more." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is nonsense.' "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'Never,' said I. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' bird of prey. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Heh?' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest even so self-evident a thing as that." "'Entirely.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in experiences." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left trying to your nerves." Gutenberg-tm License. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Absolutely none." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some McCarthy's innocence. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you he bowed and left the room without another word. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "No, I think that I'll take it." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an nonsense.' Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the