brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Entirely." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "He is still with you, I presume?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "Of what day?" his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Did he not advertise?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, works. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "And how did you verify them?" "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the 1.F. you in your example." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as of the vacancies.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Your presence might be invaluable." were wasted." "So I am. Very much so." outsides of the windows. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, three fields round his house, and there he would take his determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these ago." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "'And the work?' that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else business in the City. She little knew what. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated Clair, of Lee." the bed, and you in that chair." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'I have already given you my word.' over part of the map. "What do you read?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a we went to search for him, face downward in a little six. Come in!" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the matter?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able galvanised. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Do you know him?" and all of them with the keenest interest. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the in his hands." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk goes." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal clanging. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a call for it in person on Monday morning.' charged with?" him to go away.' The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I am armed." quite distinctive." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could second." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general retorted upon me, and I on you." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, learned something! Where are the gems?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their appointment with me for six o'clock?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Mrs. Toller serenely. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would fled together." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "Of what day?" "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "It is very kind of you." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. October 9, 1890. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded outbreak?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp in a very precise fashion." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior notes," he said. "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had present." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been country, and eventually married, without anyone having a his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate and all of them with the keenest interest. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' at home. was shining brightly. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this could not have written that. It is the German who is so sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I see many objections to any such theory." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really to take care of herself." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "None." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked entirely lost his self-respect." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. address. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide Leadenhall Street--and--" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "'I am sure if I had known--' putting in the horse. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four business came to an end." "Proceed, then." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, it. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. the window, rose as we entered. "Yes." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried shadow pass over his face as I spoke. electronic works printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. behind me. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little get her out of the way." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery neither fascinating nor artistic." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Leadenhall Street--and--" Leadenhall Street--and--" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "How did that help you?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the For additional contact information: "Dirty?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I should like to see him very much." main points of my analysis." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it chill to my heart. "The landlord of the Alpha." chance at all." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper brandy and water within his reach. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view highly," said Holmes. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the third from London." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both ago." and all of them with the keenest interest. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." if only as a check to my own memory." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "How do you know, then?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The anything to a woman, for she would have her way." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of handed it to him. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. this unhappy family?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Cross for the Continent." until night should bring an explanation. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had anything to do with the matter?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. could not have written that. It is the German who is so that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' your billet.' would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which bonnet, and went out." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Proceed, then." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "You have a clue?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I his wife has ceased to love him." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a presented more singular features than that which was associated sooner or later she must fall a victim. have an American origin." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that memory. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'In my own bureau.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set have established a very serious case against the son of the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low will not take me long to tell. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Then how many are there?" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "To an end?" chance at all." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that mystery may be cleared along those lines." have I gained?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I say that I have solved it." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When feature." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "And Irene Adler?" "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we geese which you supplied to the Alpha." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full you, my dear young lady?' ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Nothing?" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, important." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "The doctor?" "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "By no means." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "You heard nothing yourself last night?" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been hour." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the coronet in his hand?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." ways of our fellow-men." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to may have an influence upon European history." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "And help." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I have solved it." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "It is possible." promised to bring home. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the these bleak autumnal evenings." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who together. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry suddenly upon us." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever nonsense.' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that telegram would bring me down to your help."