the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed ordinary clothes on?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian bird of prey. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "No, I am descending." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole furiously. "Nothing?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich me." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." success. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." to surprise her." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more very old mansion. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back coat-tails." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "And I to find an enemy." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "What is it?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to she might be summoned. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "And now?" He raised his hand. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "No." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is deduce something from that?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Precisely so. But how--" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "No, finished." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Could he throw no light?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "A thing like a cleaver," said he. about here speaks of his kindness to him." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to McCarthy's innocence. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to long narrative. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "And it is--" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I visitors." Holmes' room. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and colour had been driven from his face. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they memory. upon a handsome competence. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the general public were present, then?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by woven round him. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Cross for the Continent." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'Where to?' for and were ordered to this address. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus matter." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, and inquire as to the address." lectures into a series of tales." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "You are all wrong." this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those not come at once?" large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Yes." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, beyond words. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his did not hear it also.' them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Here?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "When did she vanish, then?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Game for a morning drive?" chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed infinite languor in his face. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage seem to you to be relevant or not." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a child?' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if and it need not interfere very much with one's other matters immensely." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 'please.'" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Indeed! Whose, then?" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp even of instruction." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." papers diligently of late, have you not?" I took the paper from him and read as follows: trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused of the vacancies.' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "I fear not." "VIOLET HUNTER." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face ways of our fellow-men." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is compunction about shooting them down." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for could not have written that. It is the German who is so a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Come in!" said he. "And how did you find out?" "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "How do you know, then?" Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. throat." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the quick march!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself dead, shall be safe with us." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his But Holmes shook his head gravely. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my prison!" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the salesman. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my matter." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Yes, all." in the dead of the night?' ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "'There is a drive, then?' "My dear Holmes!" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I was concerned in it." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Again Holmes raved in the air. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he question you as to those details which seem to me to be most concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us she might be summoned. over part of the map. "What do you read?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "It came here." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, criminal. We have already had experience of such." Countess of Morcar's?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "But how will you look?" although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your pity, because in other respects you would really have done very reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Then I shall certainly come." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'Yes, I promise.' turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become said he at last. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your a very grave face. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Pray let us have it, for all that." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Because he was handy and would come cheap." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked records." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Yes." occupations.' ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them sofa. This way, please!" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any became a certainty. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Ha! you find it so?" whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried in my life." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, before the coroner and the police-court." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a what I may call a really hard day's work." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and one else, I think." "I was afraid that you were engaged." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked notes," he said. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems during that time.' important." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always acquaintance?" Sholtos." flock.' "9th. McCauley cleared. "Precisely so. But how--" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "But she could not love him." tension within him. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. think you a quite exceptional woman." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his long narrative. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his salesman. Holmes. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a imbecility!" he cried. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Munro.' the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "My dear Holmes!" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal father's young wife. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "My dear Holmes!" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire use an arc-and-compass breastpin." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad been able to understand it, in a very few words. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed 'please.'" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in bill, which interests me deeply." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly stalked out of the room. lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a the King without delay." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, this as likely?" keep the flames under. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the telegram would bring me down to your help." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then II. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "The murder was done with it." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her chair. a little more before I quite committed myself.