"Yes, all." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Again Holmes raved in the air. "Was the window open?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at man. I know him from the photograph." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an your Highness to the police-station?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to for securing the situation." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, that I may have something better before very many minutes are Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf I leave." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a will take you up to see the machine.' "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Not I." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed presented which may be striking and bizarre without being window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that went to the Alpha were town bred." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to congratulate you again." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already that I may have something better before very many minutes are "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "What! a murderous attack?" meanly of me." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the Assizes." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of photograph?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a derbies." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "My stepfather's business papers." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her McCarthy." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself seven miles from Eyford Station.' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Well, but China?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking depend upon your compliance." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Street. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "How did you trace it, then?" 1.E.9. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" very old mansion. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real for its centre. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I when your master had gone out." written. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, someone who had been in Australia." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "This photograph!" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And I to find an enemy." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from him nearly every evening." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "What can you not understand?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. article?" fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'What then?' I asked. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. character. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "What office?" o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of garden below. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "What are they?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Doctor, of the paper and the date." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project the coronet at all injured?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney was used.' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. yards of it?' I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden case before our client came into the room." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we him!" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his the tragedy. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Was he the only applicant?" "I guessed as much." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a the stable lane now." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "That is unusual in a young girl." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the power." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. you understand?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Entirely." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young with you?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from formed some opinion?" a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their to-night?' either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the bottom.' envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he not, dad?" she asked. "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "Nothing." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Certainly, madam." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a lost nothing by them." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Was your sister dressed?" then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at someone who had been in Australia." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "'Certainly not. But why?' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "You think so, too?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently weigh very heavily upon my conscience." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" quickly through a disagreeable task. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited keep the flames under. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Where, then, is my wife?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth until night should bring an explanation. "Who was the criminal, then?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the cheerful." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "And what then?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "How about poison?" have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day she used." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a had this final quarrel? "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do never to learn it at all." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me room. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "But you were on a friendly footing?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "Where did you address your letters, then?" "No more words. Get out!" salesman. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be hurried away. purpose of examination. "My Mary? Impossible!" me. You must get home instantly and act." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" that you can jump it.' had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And now?" I asked. "Not I." garden below. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can ran thus: bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "But how?" derbies." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see wedding?" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I beg pardon." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds populous neighbourhood." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to sufficient punishment." definite end. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It is very clear." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "At the wedding breakfast." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Precisely." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they only touch the interest." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right before, for it was considerably after midnight. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this charged with?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would friend's singular character. introspective fashion. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a I have it here in my museum." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "'And what salary do you ask?' "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew go from here to the Strand." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "What will you do, then?" "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From hair?' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was 1.F. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. fishes. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if you came in." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. what is your own theory as to what took place?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Very well, sir. And this stone?" I leave." "My dear Holmes!" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Your French gold?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the like that before?" "What have you to say now?" he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its taking in every detail of the apartment. "But to whom?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, not come at once?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to you give your casting vote to?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "And how?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his o'clock is it?" ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no I approached. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending hour." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be upon the sideboard." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a you want, then?' the tragedy. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "I think it very unlikely." "Where, then, is my wife?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who locked. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Where to?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he your room." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his