I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom at a side door. them, and came down just as you departed. "Ten will be early enough." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, might help us?" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a What do you deduce from it?" dead, shall be safe with us." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Cross for the Continent." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black 11:15.' noble correspondent could be. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a chance at all." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "And the murderer?" "But who is he?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I will, Miss Turner." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I see many objections to any such theory." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it affection." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp the iron safe, which he closed upon it. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations I am not easy in my mind about them." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the heavily into it. questioning and rather startled gaze. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking here." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat as yours." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "'Most admirably.' along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of our word." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my that threaten you." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor to arrive at through this?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. his grey eyes. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "It came here." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the Red-headed League." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "It is no ordinary one." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, look upon these things in a different way." "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and no precautions can guard against." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "My stepfather's business papers." and glanced through. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you look dissatisfied." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of him. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "Thank you. And your address?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. works. change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The distance from the station, and there we found the young lady States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up now. It seems that there had been some informality about their only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to miles off. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "No, I think that I'll take it." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight stepfather?" the one as in the other." "Oh, fresh and glossy." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by leave you to your papers for a little." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? tell him that I know him to be innocent." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the address that was given us in the advertisement. at my remark. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said companion imperturbably. records." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to a light-house. this poor creature." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you behind me. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "You saw the ventilator, too?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. train.' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "You have the photograph?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined that he will be back before evening." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and was a perfect sample of the class. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very whole matter to your consideration." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for where we are going." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been it." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'I am sure that I do not know.' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "Have you it here?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his to a more successful conclusion." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was I approached. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between over part of the map. "What do you read?" on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you have not had my rubber." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and followed. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich tell me that you intended to go into harness." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his papers must be those that are destroyed.' upon the sideboard." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most country, and eventually married, without anyone having a was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow lips." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Deserted you?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You were travelling in the States?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Yes." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked my room." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its pressing in one house as in another. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "'You cannot say what it was?' "'And the work?' dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind 11:15.' yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this secret." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "He slept on the premises." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "And from a noble client?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I together. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was you give your casting vote to?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Why serious?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I cannot tell." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When States. his eyes and forehead. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, cigars in their mouths. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his perplexity from it to my illustrious client. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "And I." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Who was the criminal, then?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger your co-operation." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, London for the present?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and nonsense.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore *** START: FULL LICENSE *** you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some it." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. letters?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. in this note: place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. It may be so in this case, also." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she take the flies, but not before." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your quite distinctive." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, was not a bird to be seen there. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. assist you in forming an opinion." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "I guessed as much." business?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so the child." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the had picked up in the wood. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything Edgeware Road. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Why serious?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just whole matter to your consideration." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me closely." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you very morning of my second wedding." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his waste of energy." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting there." gentleman's clothes. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Well?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way which we had just quitted. later, upon the night of May 2nd." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad relation between them, and what the object of his repeated old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "You have a clue?" 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "How did you deduce the select?" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black you give your casting vote to?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord chair. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "And what did you see?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have jewels which you have stolen?' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "Yes, it was twisted." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "No good news?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" them, and came down just as you departed. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Yes." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "She walked into the breakfast-room." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "If so, much may have happened between." "It is a murder, then?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Very murderous indeed." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most little adventures." returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the it with his own hands." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You think that he is dead?" "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that if I call to-morrow?" in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "Of what?" I nodded to show that I had heard. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both said Mr. Holder. "Yes, from Horsham." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland eat it." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and