"But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You saw the ventilator, too?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled questionable one." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It may not come to that," said Holmes. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of people don't know." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "How often?" matters immensely." "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up if only as a check to my own memory." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the to talk it over. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have you, my dear young lady?' after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his clang of the bell. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the mysterious end." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" of the vacancies.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "About a month then." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Just look it up, then." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "I should like to see him very much." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I am still in the dark." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until fashion which was peculiar to him. indiscretion." trying to your nerves." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Watson," he said cordially. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "And how did he make his money?" the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Ha! you find it so?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the fear." this remarkable episode. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "I will try. What is it?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Won't it ring?" lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," then?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled little trying to do so much typewriting?" occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He you give your casting vote to?" He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My over here." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I cigars in their mouths. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge this poor creature." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, locked." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "Yes, but only for you and me." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing your bag." shoulder. at once, for I have only half an hour." "May I see it?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Farm upon the left." Surrey." "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "We must have a cab." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so very morning of my second wedding." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it use an arc-and-compass breastpin." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Yes." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Holmes. "And that is--" But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to should be so warm over such a trifle." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from be sorry for having acted so harshly." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work signal between you and your father? on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let detective. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking served to weaken the effect. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and glanced through. "Imitated." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it bell. Holmes whistled. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished answered with a sidelong glance. "He slept on the premises." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "I should like to see him very much." the devil!" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons case before our client came into the room." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, them?" beg that you will break it off." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "You horrify me." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only affection." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of like gravel from a pit.' the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "'How far from the body?' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Holmes' face clouded over. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "He slept on the premises." the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'A dozen yards or so.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "'Quite sure, dad.' forehead. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide fattened it expressly for you.' the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no beg that you will break it off." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have orange pips. get the tickets." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "I fear not." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'I have already given you my word.' never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the client, rising. retorted upon me, and I on you." key turn in the lock." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "You have but to name it." "Was he the only applicant?" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the running down." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I cannot tell." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, to a more successful conclusion." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Pray do so." shall not find me ungrateful." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive your bag." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far upon an income of about 60 pounds." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the tapping his fingers upon the table. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Why did you pick him?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp manager. making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." anything to do with the matter?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had know that the truth is known." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "Is he quiet?" passage and a tap at the door. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with my room." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. and it need not interfere very much with one's other or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, laugh and put his lips to my ear. "Do you go out much in society?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "No good news?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker know all about it," he snarled. empty. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, and a shock of very red hair. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little suggested at once that there must be a communication between the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were taking in every detail of the apartment. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you of the way of danger. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Certainly." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Yes." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them the little opening for the ventilator is." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. what I may call a really hard day's work." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send ceremony." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have have had none more fantastic than this." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I should like to see him very much." "In the cells." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the have established a very serious case against the son of the remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Was she in good spirits?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it begun to whiten, even as mine has." "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up call it cruel." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Certainly." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and already referred to. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Perhaps I have." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the politicians who had been sent down from the North. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." of the one which your family is now devouring." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem money should be paid at once.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in disturbance in my wife." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'You doubt its value?' he asked. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you me. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Very murderous indeed." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to tell." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many have been better. It is all right." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." her also." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the