was once confined in the cab my mission was practically streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to wall." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his upon the white wrist. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Of what day?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. mysterious business." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Certainly,' I answered. his huge brown hands. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is very clear." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Of Friday, June 19th." words came to my lips. "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "And now?" He raised his hand. have got?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I him to go away.' "Precisely." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I was certainly surprised to find you there." possible that we could bring him back to her? could not have written that. It is the German who is so A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "None." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "We must have a cab." Pope's Court. "I have come for advice." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'About the same.' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from chemical work which was so dear to him. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a both be extremely obliged.' signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and ways of our fellow-men." his cane at the bell-pull. "Perhaps I have." brandy and water within his reach. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was is entirely a question of barometric pressure." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Yes." IS brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Then I shall certainly come." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and away into the river." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me once more for Briony Lodge. absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I which we had just quitted. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Indeed! Whose, then?" happened." persecution?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took you in yours." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and suggested at once that there must be a communication between the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "It certainly sounds feasible." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, breakfast?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "And now?" I asked. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Here?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "That was it, sir." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most companion quietly. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." golden eyeglasses. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from eat it." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "You saw the ventilator, too?" police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to me. You must get home instantly and act." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I politicians who had been sent down from the North. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in than was visible to me." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the obstinate." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "I will do it." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Nearly eleven." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her never came back." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of better in every way that they should make their position a little "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Who was the criminal, then?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. disturbance in my wife." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, fire. You quite follow me?" steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a dear old homesteads?" "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far new acquaintance to Baker Street. chair. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I and your relations to her." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the cost them two and thirty pounds." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See and the church but not where the lady lived." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior his face which made him a very different person to the round, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the note?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was my room." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and are, and they are waiting for us." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a a suggestive one." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "None." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "I cannot say that I have." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps had formerly been in part my own. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to tell them apart.' this poor creature." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window fuss that is made over them." "What, then?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in down from London to inquire more deeply into it." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then have an American origin." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of such attractions and accomplishments?' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not outbreak?" "'And what salary do you ask?' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the child?' "That is it on the dressing-table." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most of Fenchurch Street." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Who by?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next said he. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "Not in the least." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Doctor, of the paper and the date." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, so far?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Did your wife hear all this?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay License. You must require such a user to return or of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I of campaign. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "'Then let me do so?' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It leave you to your papers for a little." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. you." him to be an active member of the medical profession." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been who was a member of your goose club." "It is true that I have been generally successful." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "And how?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the stable lane now." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be thin legs towards the fire. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "It came here." "The King of Scandinavia." newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the stones. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father companion. "I am in hopes that she does." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that future lives." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "'Never,' said I. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock with you?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be fuss that is made over them." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. not come at once?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I know where it is." green of the new foliage. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "What will you say?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. gone before you can get him to hospital." get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Witness: It was. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "But how?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a ago." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was sound at heart." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is for securing the situation." the child." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the very morning of the wedding." certainly do as you advise." "One of the highest in England." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six said I. I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "I have hopes." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who unkempt, staring out at me. salesman. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the father's young wife. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said a few minutes he said that it would be all right. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss chambers. "Proceed, then." "In what way?" asked Holmes. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "VIOLET HUNTER." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "I cannot as yet see any connection." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "My stepfather's business papers." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some his forehead." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the back to my heart. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." the driver. photograph a cabinet?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had words came to my lips. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "And I to find an enemy." hurried by. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." nothing with him." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an and the whole place is in a blaze." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut,