have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? discontent upon his features. and that he would see to anything that turned up. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "But you were on a friendly footing?" invisible to me," I remarked. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "But he might be a bachelor." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "And how did he make his money?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock it were putty." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged is worth.' ran thus: orange pips. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would populous neighbourhood." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be bore every mark of being an average commonplace British most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Why, what do you mean?" "VIOLET HUNTER." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. individual and becomes the badge of a society." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. seem to you to be relevant or not." eavesdroppers?' attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present woven round him. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fat-encircled eyes. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Pray tell us what has happened to you." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Thank you. Pray proceed." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. salesman. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: than was visible to me." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Yes, from Horsham." "It looks newer than the other things?" took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is way in everything. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, residence of the great financier. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a about. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My unclasping of his long thin hands. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "'As governess?' dramatic, in fact." and the church but not where the lady lived." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "And you can do nothing until then?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Witness: I must still refuse. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Gutenberg-tm License. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better wedding?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I should wish to." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Absolutely none." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." some water from a caraffe. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us cause to be." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "The Coroner: What do you mean? blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss unkempt, staring out at me. "Pray continue your narrative." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my Arthur Conan Doyle "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day the address that was given us in the advertisement. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "How did you trace it, then?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Did your wife hear all this?" "The best possible." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has right! Sit down and let us talk it over." helping a boy to put up the shutters. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'I shall certainly be there.' "None. Neville wrote those words." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the coroner come to?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the coronet at all injured?" this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I should like to see him very much." papers." "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I cannot think." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "By train from Waterloo." side. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly of the way of danger. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I think it very unlikely." halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be instituted." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, and no precautions can guard against." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's together. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent weapon." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "The gentleman I describe." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take only touch the interest." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to stalked out of the room. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the until night should bring an explanation. "Come in!" said he. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "You did not overhear what they said?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "No more words. Get out!" "Upon what point?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend someone who had been in Australia." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. might help us?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'Most admirably.' "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Quite sure, dad.' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An he. believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when purpose equally well?" the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but if she died from some sudden fright." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "'What, the red-headed man?' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "He is still with you, I presume?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely disappearance of these gems?" photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying most important business. It is probable that he will be away all to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a correct than the official force." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at have been better. It is all right." hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "And what did you learn from him?" having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of have had none more fantastic than this." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "To the police?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the stable lane now." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there said he. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it charge against him will break down." was used.' those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Why? What do you mean?" impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "One?" nonsense.' so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "None." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but if only as a check to my own memory." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "And now?" I asked. "Pray continue your narrative." Foundation my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Certainly." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, meant it for the best. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing peculiar to him. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "And you can do nothing until then?" been with you?" the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I less than 26s. 4d. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "'And the work?' "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Quite sure, dad.' "Precisely." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. her also." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in noting anything else of interest. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Perhaps I have." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that there." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I chance." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "But you have hopes?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought hurried away. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His to talk it over. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was papers on the sundial.'" explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "What of the rat, then?" "Breckinridge is his name." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Where is it, then?" "What office?" cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in that?' his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from unclasping of his long thin hands. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked the Friday. Was it to be in church?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and that I am arrested." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "And the murderer?" "On your arm?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." for securing the situation." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," is so. I know all about McCarthy." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." weapon." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "I shall be delighted." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." http://www.gutenberg.net the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond himself. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "My stepfather's business papers." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the roots. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?"