window when the police appeared." telegram would bring me down to your help." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Yes, it would be as well." families. Now for the facts. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I Holmes rather sternly. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "There are none." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and possible that we could bring him back to her? the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at the side-table." one else, I think." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as not personally threatened." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "What! a murderous attack?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his what I may call a really hard day's work." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "And now?" I asked. until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This official police." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with out." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, straightened it out again. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "No." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "No good news?" X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "At what time?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to miss it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a I nodded to show that I had heard. your Highness to the police-station?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I am following you closely," I answered. cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I see no marks." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "No, my brougham is waiting." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Ah, but I was recommended to you." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Why, what do you mean?" noting anything else of interest. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that kindly on the shoulder. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last present." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and you in yours." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so tell me that you intended to go into harness." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and night.' said he. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'Very good.' return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "I don't believe it." too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "How on earth--" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at had picked up in the wood. character. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" 1.E.9. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with bird of prey. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an compunction about shooting them down." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Never." "But I am all in the dark." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'Yes.' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I derbies." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who be there in time for your coming." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further weighed down with some great anxiety. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was his wife has ceased to love him." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Eyford at 11:15.' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "'And what are they worth?' I asked. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "We must have a cab." "Pray continue your narrative." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his heavy and sharp instrument." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She about. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Perhaps we may make them less so." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform geese which you supplied to the Alpha." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed weapon." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke despair." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." over with notes and figures. as the one I chose?' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away recover the gem." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I own family. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "The Cedars?" second." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle some city in a dream. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Never." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he against a man in the prime of life?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "It must be recovered." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of http://gutenberg.net/license). "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "But his lameness?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "And what did you see?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You think that he is dead?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "How did you deduce the select?" from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined washing it down with a long draught of water. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "They are typewritten," I remarked. tear off another piece?' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some strength in the others." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a narrative." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No begun to whiten, even as mine has." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the once more for Briony Lodge. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible was shining brightly. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project showing my impatience. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "My dear Holmes!" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "But what is it you wish?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round green of the new foliage. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "He said that you could solve anything." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in wanted for ourselves." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." them present such singular features as the strange train of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" very old mansion. "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such without a word or a look. about here speaks of his kindness to him." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, could gather together that I was able to avert another public his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I came to find a friend." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "About a month then." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did meant." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the warnings." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking chemical work which was so dear to him. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "If so, much may have happened between." clang of the bell. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the been with you?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Certainly, madam." possible that we could bring him back to her? of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" not fit the lock." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the and capable of preserving a secret.' He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the matter." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "At the wedding breakfast." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I say that I have solved it." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and shag which I had seen upon the previous night. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house again." "'I am sure that I do not know.' "It is possible." purpose of examination. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "10th. John Swain cleared. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "What have you to say now?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "'What do you call purely nominal?' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a cause to be." o'clock is it?" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof been able to understand it, in a very few words. province." of your young ladies.' place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's occurred." "They are typewritten," I remarked. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "No." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning better in every way that they should make their position a little constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of cigars in the box." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, tension within him. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." eat it." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. better in every way that they should make their position a little you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he in the port of London." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "But of what society?" in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I was mad--insane." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done