delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "Will you go?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Where does the thing come from?' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Which are?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the ceiling. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" His name is Francis Prosper." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to directors, with the result that you have seen." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Mary, has deserted me." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes and that he would see to anything that turned up. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had events, Mr. Windibank!" "Why did you pick him?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I heavily into it. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon stood on the top of it. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "The Coroner: What do you mean? laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest would apply.' "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. know all about it," he snarled. some city in a dream. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "And how did you find out?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "He said that you could solve anything." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her death." "And now?" I asked. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question she might be summoned. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in think that any burglar could have done. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a she might be summoned. "Not I." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely only touch the interest." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would present strange and interesting features that it is no easy of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "He is dead," cried several voices. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." discontent upon his features. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "It is a murder, then?" "'You cannot say what it was?' reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been public press." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident you do it in twenty minutes!' nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is companion quietly. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Yes, it would be as well." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and is worth.' one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with of a light. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Not him." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'And the work?' believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'Entirely.' conduct the inquiry." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'I am sure that I do not know.' enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." despair." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "Then the page we have seen--" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Precisely so. But how--" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "In heaven's name, what for?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with have an American origin." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, to tackle the facts." of receipt of the work. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until used to be." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned outbreak?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "What are they?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "None." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If from the brougham. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them yourselves in at night?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house her also." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too what these perils are?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I had this final quarrel? I approached. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three disappearance of the bride.'" was a loud and authoritative tap. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I think that any burglar could have done. "Yes, only one." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "What will you do, then?" "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a cigar and let me expound." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and it right.' the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes four million human beings all jostling each other within the seem to you to be relevant or not." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been know that the truth is known." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and as he folded up the epistle. that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Holmes rather sternly. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "No." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "But she could not love him." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he that I may have something better before very many minutes are Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "None." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled existence." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have your equipment. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "We must have a cab." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "What will you say?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence during that time.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It's nothing of the kind." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly ventilator." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Of what day?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Why, it's a dummy," said he. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment room had already been engaged for us. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Holmes. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "But we can't all be." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "But his left-handedness." revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, laugh and put his lips to my ear. chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Then, as to money?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I forebodings. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an minor matters until to-morrow." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that is four-and-twenty." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "What can you not understand?" think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in upon a handsome competence. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting crime. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled daring than any effort of the imagination." miles off. in my life." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Then I can wait in the next room." "Just look it up, then." "They are typewritten," I remarked. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This know what is wrong with it.' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "No good news?" a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "But what is it you wish?" "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The too. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It second." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Seven!" I answered. posted to-day." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He ready to-morrow?' "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of into the room. coroner's jury." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "'What, the red-headed man?' considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Nor running a chance of arrest?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'What do you call purely nominal?' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I your most interesting statement." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "But I am all in the dark." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the down. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, fear." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Not I." hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "What can you not understand?" "Come in!" said he. band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at nice household for a young lady." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "You did not overhear what they said?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "In the cells." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I have had none more fantastic than this." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little said he, "my real name is James Ryder." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he page at http://pglaf.org finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Quite so." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "That is unusual in a young girl." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "No more words. Get out!" collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Which dealer's?' remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "And what did you see?" hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the fled together." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. door?" is acting for the best. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** criminal. We have already had experience of such." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a