and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly the tragedy. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "The landlord of the Alpha." row." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have death." which our visitor detailed to us. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he and shall probably return to London by the evening train." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his chemical work which was so dear to him. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better one else, I think." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both tied." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there new acquaintance to Baker Street. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other window when the police appeared." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. congratulate you again." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, floor. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the are, I think, all that we need." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the of this gang." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with I am not easy in my mind about them." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant he. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'Certainly,' I answered. read it out to me." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "But you have hopes?" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which again on its way. any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has was a loud and authoritative tap. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was questioning and rather startled gaze. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six to that open window." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he six. Come in!" man. fear." will not take me long to tell. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time she to prove their authenticity?" posted to-day." you." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the was keenly on my guard against him. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and wedding?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience very morning of my second wedding." "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "No." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn fluttered off among the others. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." This is what he says: be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I would give my fortune to have them back." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "'What then?' I asked. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "It is to him that this trophy belongs." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three said I. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses them, and came down just as you departed. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. that they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. imbecility!" he cried. "In what way?" asked Holmes. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email cup of tea. far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission of fine shops and stately business premises that they really either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." hurried away. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Indeed! Whose, then?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think most interesting one." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his was the fact that his father should, according to his account, on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by definite end. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and used to be." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler views." "'I am sure that I do not know.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the least a fellow-countryman. appointment with me for six o'clock?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Only as much as we can deduce." was a lad." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Well, some hundreds of times." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving infinite languor in his face. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his from the brougham. compunction about shooting them down." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "To the police?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the when you have done it." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day mysterious business." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had trifles." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would gone. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an towards the blaze. relief. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was the King without delay." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the stammered. advice." "What is it, then--a fire?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and carpenter." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a do." his huge brown hands. "Yes, all." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. the stable lane now." excitement. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I mysterious end." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Did he not advertise?" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, ago." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "A confidential servant?" "Yes, I have one waiting." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "But it has twice been burgled." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "I am following you closely," I answered. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' maiden herself was most instructive." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR a good hundred miles off by now." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do carriage. It was a chestnut." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth that there was nothing in it, after all." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "The rest you will leave in our hands." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I an introduction to him?" light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but rooms." at my own good fortune. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "No legal papers or certificates?" however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace from the brougham. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'Is purely nominal.' what is your own theory as to what took place?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Your sister is dead, then?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'Never.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort bird I ate is country bred." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Yes, he did." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no late!' and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Why, what do you mean?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the details." wall." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret know that the truth is known." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was ventilator." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of But Holmes shook his head gravely. affair. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'I shall certainly be there.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a joking. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. carpenter." could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client appeared upon the scene." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "'It is locked up,' I answered. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of Mr. Rucastle's." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "'And what salary do you ask?' dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "I have a cab outside." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so asked with his eyes open. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. weighed down with some great anxiety. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Absolutely none." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had observed. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Sutherland?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after and shall probably return to London by the evening train." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when he died? "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your knowledge of the world." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a keep the flames under. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried written. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little I am not easy in my mind about them." "Yes, only one." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "But your client--" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head to-night's adventure." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "I cannot tell." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been depend upon your compliance." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that window when the police appeared." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past attention." 11:15.' search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked are, and they are waiting for us." written. the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand considering the formidable letters which were received by himself know that the truth is known." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Look there!" said he. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban nice household for a young lady." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Then, how do you know?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried