very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Which surely he restored to their owner?" of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by putting in the horse. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I delirious. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I am to be neutral?" not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all bearing upon the case." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police directors, with the result that you have seen." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with cigars in the box." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "I have my revolver," said I. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "No bad?" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Sutherland?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it place of silver." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. into the room. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social of this gang." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another both be extremely obliged.' my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Quite so. She has her freedom." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. off." sooner or later she must fall a victim. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the until night should bring an explanation. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." union?" Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "What steps will you take?" I asked. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I should wish to." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and woman who has had her own way to make in the world. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Married! When?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by of Mr. Rucastle's." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Nor running a chance of arrest?" metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. jewels which you have stolen?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "You are hungry," I remarked. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'I have heard so.' "I would give my fortune to have them back." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen official police." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned you." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the trifles." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she relief. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built hour." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "None." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently copied or distributed: to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Nothing?" of his shoulders. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose answer." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "And who is her maid?" vault. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of fait accompli?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of the one which your family is now devouring." train.' end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded and laid it on the table. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made never will be, entirely cleared up. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "It is possible." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a never to learn it at all." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that down. wedding?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence my former friend and companion. and no precautions can guard against." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated union?" of the efforts of the United States government and of the better what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "It is to him that this trophy belongs." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of fait accompli?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign infinite languor in his face. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can that you can jump it.' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "No, but the enclosure is." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a place no limit on the sum I may draw." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling least a fellow-countryman. think that he is innocent?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Will you bet, then?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and out of this horrible affair." gigantic client. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon bears upon the case?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I directors, with the result that you have seen." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "From his hat?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "A client, then?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands papers." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "No more words. Get out!" went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "A confidential servant?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love works. See paragraph 1.E below. Countess of Morcar's?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the child." "'Yes, sir.' the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, with some details as to your case." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "And from a noble client?" brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "No legal papers or certificates?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases overpowering excitement and concern. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Quite so. She has her freedom." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "How do you know, then?" Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "You are certainly joking, Holmes." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Dr. Becher's." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was breakfast." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an papers must be those that are destroyed.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem true." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked depend upon your compliance." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "You know me, then?" "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson imbecility!" he cried. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "What will you say?" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." noble correspondent could be. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs himself to hunt down. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady followed. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this it means?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' strength in the others." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "We must have a cab." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. door?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." burst out into a roar of laughter. McCarthy." speckled band?" society." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet II. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of better in every way that they should make their position a little "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four enter Dr. Roylott's room." "There are none." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and people in all walks of life. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "And you thought he was pulled back?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "And what did you see?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. learned something! Where are the gems?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into or other trace. But how on earth--" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the child." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something meant it for the best. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which than was visible to me." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do Gutenberg-tm License. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may I have it here in my museum." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself not come at once?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is leaning back in his chair. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had to go into your room and bar your shutters?" that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I closely." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the not personally threatened." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'You cannot say what it was?' the bed, and you in that chair." young Openshaw's." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "How did he come?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at coroner's jury." straightened it out again. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in article?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'What then?' I asked. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his instituted." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide his face. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty started for the Temple to see my husband. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Nothing?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Do you receive much company?" he asked. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Well, it is a possible supposition." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most