to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. should be taken.' contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your II. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" place of silver." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his or other trace. But how on earth--" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he photograph a cabinet?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Not particularly." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather situation." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small his huge brown hands. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Murdered?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup few hundred pounds.' feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the infinite languor in his face. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have roused himself from his reverie. took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his to-night?" I asked. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. singular points about the case. What did the police think of the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Sutherland. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "And how?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then intrusion of other matters." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when grasp, he hurried from the room. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found thin legs towards the fire. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Did he not advertise?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Come in!" said he. situation." "What! a murderous attack?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of 'I should be able to look after that for you.' out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "How many? I don't know." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have there was no need for father to know." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. without a word or a look. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then there is a decided draught." him. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Have you good authority for what you say?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Nothing?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country bedroom door." one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the south-west, I see." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. that you saw all that I did." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the where she found matters as described by the last witness. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of shall not find me ungrateful." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. province." forbidden door. matter over." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "That is it on the dressing-table." "But what is it you wish?" prison!" careless servant girl?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms not personally threatened." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was prison!" excitement. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official you." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a along the entire front of the house, with three long windows right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. key of the affair now." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. which are rolled in Rotterdam." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he is a common subject for conversation. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," delighted to hear it," he said. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Here?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I your own bird, so if you wish--" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Why? What do you mean?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which with you alone." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were kind enough to tell me what I should do." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come singular points about the case. What did the police think of the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "It may not come to that," said Holmes. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "The Cedars?" "I have solved it." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "That is unusual in a young girl." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has assist you in forming an opinion." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he drawing your inferences." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked will be renamed. article?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "How do you know, then?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off asked with his eyes open. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them your bag." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect foresight and the moral retrogression?" newspaper selections." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news better in every way that they should make their position a little such person." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "'Quite sure, dad.' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "No." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have chair. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Foundation "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in over part of the map. "What do you read?" was lame." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'I shall certainly be there.' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your The police have openly confessed that they can at present make rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand that you wished to speak to me?' creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Why did you pick him?" dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "Yes, certainly." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "But how?" I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and me where it went to?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pierced for earrings?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You heard nothing yourself last night?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and a shock of very red hair. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Then I shall certainly come." way in." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Yes." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She touch that coronet?' lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to I held the little printed slip to the light. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "At what time?" abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If the Friday. Was it to be in church?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "But his left-handedness." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither had no one to advise her at such a crisis." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took what I may call a really hard day's work." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his his wife has ceased to love him." derbies." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them written, and locked the door of the office after me. "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently disturbance in my wife." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two cause to be." written. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. compunction about shooting them down." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Really! You surprise me." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure roused himself from his reverie. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely once more. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Nothing?" it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "Yes, sir." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "To an end?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "At what time?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "So it appears." breakfast." "And you thought he was pulled back?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door retorted upon me, and I on you." "No, but the enclosure is." was not a bird to be seen there. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the crackling voice. that threaten you." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the were new raised from a basin. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see your troubles." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest promised to bring home. that?' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the awkward doing business with an alias." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It is very clear." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any fishes. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. could gather together that I was able to avert another public father's young wife. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of His name is Francis Prosper." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we him nearly every evening." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. emerged. "And how have you succeeded?" salesman. "Breckinridge is his name." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Yes, it was gone.' corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes thin legs towards the fire. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the or other trace. But how on earth--" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'Where could I find him?' "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and through." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be because she had spent so short a time in this country that she