certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you results." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Have you her photograph?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Breckinridge is his name." "Really! You surprise me." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which away to you." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "'What, the red-headed man?' anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. too. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting in a very precise fashion." of campaign. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee what do you think they found in the pockets?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, have had none more fantastic than this." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa infinite languor in his face. pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the my secret was safe in his possession. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham you, my dear young lady?' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in there." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "What I expected to see." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "And from a noble client?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "What!" he roared. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able is acting for the best. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a during that time.' and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "What?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" annoyance, but no jest. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "I warn you that they are very incomplete." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return which our visitor detailed to us. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he strength." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "No." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. in the hope of finding them." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, may have an influence upon European history." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are fasten all the windows?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his wife has ceased to love him." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of him and tried to hold him back. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." know that the truth is known." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. intrusion of other matters." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "My photograph." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. populous neighbourhood." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the ashen face. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "I would give my fortune to have them back." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of tightly behind him. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had most important business. It is probable that he will be away all of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Well, some hundreds of times." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would without success. At last the little money which I had saved began carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Game for a morning drive?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. door?" shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "But what harm can there be in that?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager whatever might befall. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange forecastle of an emigrant ship. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "But you have hopes?" "Ten will be early enough." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," I have it here in my museum." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "How did he come?" observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "'Certainly not. But why?' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' have an American origin." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two that threaten you." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found at once, for I have only half an hour." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and effective." trying to your nerves." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." strode off upon his way. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Do you receive much company?" he asked. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps amused." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I cannot imagine." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. asked. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a Munro.' "That is possible." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves bare slabs of marble. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens I shall communicate with you." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the companion quietly. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small chance." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' carriage. It was a chestnut." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" companion. "And I to find an enemy." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed occupations.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I ago." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. weighed down with some great anxiety. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "But he might be a bachelor." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "ARAT," I read. everything which you would wish to know." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for you." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who one's self under obligations.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Yes, I have one waiting." there!' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! stood on the top of it. Clair, of Lee." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the touch that coronet?' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at there were one or two details which were new to me. But the everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. hereditary King of Bohemia." "Yes. He waved his hands." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "I would pay ten." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "'Certainly not.' serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and wedding?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the learned something! Where are the gems?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. purpose of examination. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "'Yes, it was gone.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all felt?" purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Dr. Gregory B. Newby continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this and all of them with the keenest interest. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had outside. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by standing smiling on the door-step. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "It is possible." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly ways of our fellow-men." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to points to suicide?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend away into the river." yet." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. pound a week." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed telegram would bring me down to your help." "But you can know nothing of this?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far wedding?" my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "But how?" "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for formed some opinion?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an this as likely?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "And who is her maid?" sneer upon his pale face. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "What, then?" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such the child." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a affair. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a go from here to the Strand." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be is now desirous of getting those letters back." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like that he has suffered." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they likely to be some crony of the landlady's." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in away in different directions, and I went off to make my own wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an colonel looking down at me. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you had picked up in the wood. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Nothing." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or distinguish the words: borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried affection." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. prisoner's face. "Just look it up, then." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the child." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Holmes' room. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy morning." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "Well, it is a possible supposition." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Nor running a chance of arrest?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and when your master had gone out." address. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of answer." DAMAGE. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my clang of the bell. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There back into the street. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace was feeling which was the fattest.' "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Stolen." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes paper in the air. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me matters immensely." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper affection."