our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Certainly." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I answered that I had not. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a congratulate you again." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may vague figure huddled up in the darkness. with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. depend upon your compliance." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "How on earth--" equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "I should like to see him very much." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "From his hat?" International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "My opinion is in no way altered." third from London." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Where does the thing come from?' were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "She told me to ask you." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I hurried by. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, generous with you in money matters.' is a common subject for conversation. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire It was close upon four before the door opened, and a see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the in the dead of the night?' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, bachelor.' be. "Texas, I think." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can went to the Alpha were town bred." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all if only as a check to my own memory." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so and have this put in the evening papers." which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a his cane at the bell-pull. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "But what harm can there be in that?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk where we are going." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the devil!" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" strength." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "VIOLET HUNTER." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Pray tell us what has happened to you." were wasted." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "How about poison?" reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether floor. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very singular points about the case. What did the police think of the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, leave you to your papers for a little." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you was not a bird to be seen there. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Her father is very rich?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be.' tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Then I can wait in the next room." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he danger is over." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a you?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "'Tell me all about it,' said I. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I had picked up in the wood. coroner's jury." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "I am sure." followed. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on the inner apartment." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might think that he is innocent?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Then he might have called to you?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that remarked. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was time." "That sounds a little paradoxical." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place if she died from some sudden fright." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, address. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Heh?' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made companion imperturbably. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is security.' suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "But the mystery?" row." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some tied." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination wall." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my stalked out of the room. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "It's nothing of the kind." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** too. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. Sutherland. "Where, indeed?" acted in my house last night?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one imbecility!" he cried. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out again." "Of what?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience before the coroner and the police-court." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps The events in question occurred in the early days of my dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. wife's character?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "No, but the enclosure is." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "Here?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Texas, I think." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their October 9, 1890. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." arrangements." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey matters immensely." are, and they are waiting for us." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to you." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every His smile broadened. "Of what?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social whole matter to your consideration." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for copied or distributed: shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be remarked. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." in this way: "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might once more for Briony Lodge. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of business in the City. She little knew what. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Cross for the Continent." business." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to Holmes. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This without a word or a look. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing front of me. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Witness: Nothing definite. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. wedding?" business in the City. She little knew what. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "On Monday." "What steps will you take?" I asked. when your master had gone out." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." on in his house." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over cause to be." do." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body anything to do with the matter?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and During two years I have had three consultations and one small since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot it with his own hands." enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking upon the sideboard." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Have you her photograph?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." politicians who had been sent down from the North. Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I am to be neutral?" who was a member of your goose club." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it it." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we any more." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Perhaps we may make them less so." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and Farm upon the left." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Very. But will he see it?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Yes, but only for you and me." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. call the police, let the police find what they can.' these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might orange pips. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime help us in this matter." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do the room while you explain this matter?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence his forehead." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not this Miss Turner." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "The King of Scandinavia." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner me what he had done with the three missing stones. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you voice, changing her seat as requested. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able