"And Irene Adler?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one whatever might befall. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Nothing?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, bare slabs of marble. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I cannot say that I have." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "How on earth--" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, leave you to your papers for a little." "How are you getting on?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the skylight. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I was sure that I might rely on you." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant side. have been better. It is all right." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands delighted to hear it," he said. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my absorbing." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "And the murderer?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'Stolen!' he cried. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study character. I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Arthur Conan Doyle pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring touch that coronet?' Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give be there in time for your coming." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window his fortune, and I went back to pa. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have written. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "By all means." read over the extraordinary announcement. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the call you and give you the chance." ventilator." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she should be taken.' certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Yes." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away burst into a hearty fit of laughter. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the are, and they are waiting for us." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of companion imperturbably. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Certainly not. But why?' your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and key turn in the lock." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He just ask you whether you had heard it.' "Your French gold?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off digesting their breakfasts at home." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his of your young ladies.' just called myself is not exactly my own." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn when your master had gone out." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Have you her photograph?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Your presence might be invaluable." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where thought that she would have been so carried away." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "We were both in the photograph." upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "He said that you could solve anything." I nodded again. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised *** START: FULL LICENSE *** which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "'Not at all. I only doubt--' directors, with the result that you have seen." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, noting anything else of interest. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I cannot think." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to murdered man." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he recall any case within my experience which looked at the first call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, papers." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of my secret was safe in his possession. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Was the window open?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of had formerly been in part my own. upon the white wrist. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the you?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "But it has twice been burgled." father's place of business?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "Get out!" said he. sparkled upon his finger. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that papers diligently of late, have you not?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I and it need not interfere very much with one's other thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide matters immensely." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such wanted for ourselves." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend prepare for the new role I have to play." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become strength in the others." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of fattened it expressly for you.' more solid." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to me. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "And you can do nothing until then?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg is now desirous of getting those letters back." served to weaken the effect. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will and wait." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "What will you say?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "To ruin me." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I cannot as yet see any connection." married her." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "You have the photograph?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the present." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master believe that I should never have any practice at all. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, man. Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." bedroom door." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an it." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." thin legs towards the fire. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the morning and make my own way in the world.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right suggested at once that there must be a communication between the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was the best of training." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was astonishment. before, for it was considerably after midnight. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," details." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. to miss it." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "But the mystery?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the sneer upon his pale face. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Certainly." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards spark where all is dark to me." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Pray do so." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Ah, but I was recommended to you." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin deduce something from that?" must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you a very grave face. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Yes, sir." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "My private note-paper." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved fled together." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a chill to my heart. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of the efforts of the United States government and of the better fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "But you would not advise me to refuse?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I was afraid that you were engaged." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his security.' that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Why? What do you mean?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon you understand?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "And I to find an enemy." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I disturbance in my wife." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "You will not go there first?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long goes." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary the very morning of the wedding." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies for securing the situation." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "How many? I don't know." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it from you?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been into the room. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Did you become engaged then?" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and present." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! which are rolled in Rotterdam." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It him. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but lumber-room." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that everything which you would wish to know." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird I am not easy in my mind about them." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to it." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the