think you a quite exceptional woman." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is just called myself is not exactly my own." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself with frightened eyes at his accuser. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his in this way: Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such are, and they are waiting for us." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Her father is very rich?" will find little credit to be gained out of this case." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "And sit in the dark?" for and were ordered to this address. this man was intellectual?" said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others disturbance in my wife." "But you can know nothing of this?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. make me his representative both with the servants and with the so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in this Miss Turner." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "It's nothing of the kind." and looked back. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "So I heard. You have him here?" breakfast." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. you want, then?' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Stolen, then." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to least a most suspicious remark." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Street. I approached. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in geese which you supplied to the Alpha." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said astonishment. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a sentimental considerations in the background which would induce shoulder; "he's all right." "Why? What do you mean?" to-morrow." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Yesterday." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Yes, it was twisted." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: believe that I should never have any practice at all. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and envelope. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Yes." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' writer." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found companion imperturbably. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for him." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I see me here to avoid scandal." this poor creature." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. late." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I his face which made him a very different person to the round, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in crackling voice. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another least a most suspicious remark." "And is that all?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'Never.' leave you to your papers for a little." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in room?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two residence of the great financier. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the that he will be back before evening." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied your equipment. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me fat-encircled eyes. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "A client, then?" or other trace. But how on earth--" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "And now?" I asked. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Then you may be so with me." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. round with crates and massive boxes. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it easy-going way." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the not come at once?" ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Yes." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and over part of the map. "What do you read?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if himself to hunt down. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain to talk it over. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "What have you to say now?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It is half-past ten now." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Well?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." derbies." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, I approached. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like him." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'Yes.' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "But how?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed as this. Pray let me have the details." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." something of him before." do.' but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I never have." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! means taking possession of that which another person has a prior street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the side-table." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'There is a drive, then?' morning." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "I am all attention, madam." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them bird of prey. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what dates and names. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third gentleman's clothes. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to miss it." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Well?" "Certainly, madam." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a now. It seems that there had been some informality about their lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "I was mad--insane." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "And help." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some developed." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." not within a twentieth part of the market price." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper this remarkable episode. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and morning." been with you?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "None." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one he bowed and left the room without another word. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Come in!" said he. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "How often?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further will be renamed. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the we went to search for him, face downward in a little husband's writing, madam." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and prosperity to your house. Good-night." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which he. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a official police." handed it to him. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the union?" "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the of." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I cannot tell." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." is now desirous of getting those letters back." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. been able to understand it, in a very few words. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you very old mansion. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know them?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a question," said Holmes, smiling. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the behind me. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle information in his hands the value of which he did not himself matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. said he. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we geese which you supplied to the Alpha." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his been deceived." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Ample." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Clair, of Lee." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "'Very good.' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Yesterday." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable bachelor.' "Whose house is it?" future lives." detained." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. other means.' rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain jewels which you have stolen?' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the three fields round his house, and there he would take his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." investigation." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "By no means." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Gutenberg-tm License. "Yes?" really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" comes from the middle window." "What! You do not mean bodies?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but The summons was a brief and urgent one. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Not social, then?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." you." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Surrey." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so in the hope of finding them." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' thought that she would have been so carried away." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of it with the greatest attention. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought