houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I companion. have not had my rubber." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. papers must be those that are destroyed.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the became a certainty. advice." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in help us in this matter." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think call for it in person on Monday morning.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the coronet in his hand?" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to any more." Holmes' thin, eager face. the matter?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. any more." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," respectable self." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "It must be recovered." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray what is your own theory as to what took place?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It may not come to that," said Holmes. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "I will, Miss Turner." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come charge against him will break down." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "When did it break out?" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the hair?' the armchair which I pushed forward for him. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" you." traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Certainly." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front taking in every detail of the apartment. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned directors, with the result that you have seen." of the vacancies.' "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to and effective." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in straighten it?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the attention." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again key turn in the lock." "Precisely so. But how--" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to me. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is him to be an active member of the medical profession." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still good for you to do.' 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Nothing." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From whether it answered to the description of any of their speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this walking." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "It is half-past ten now." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up them?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. the stable lane now." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Yes, certainly." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "'What would be the hours?' I asked. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Then how many are there?" to take care of herself." pound a week." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "Not in a good cause." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem breakfast and whispered something to her husband. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved before the coroner and the police-court." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. the coroner come to?" it were putty." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and easy-going way." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by the morning and make my own way in the world.' vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "I am sure." "'Certainly,' I answered. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new beg that you will break it off." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. leave you to your papers for a little." I shall continue with my miserable story. classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want for and were ordered to this address. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most breakfast?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do that that, and I came down." exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "You have the photograph?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have together. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. forebodings. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Sholtos." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was eat it." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing deduce something from that?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." chance at all." "Why did you pick him?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and the whole place is in a blaze." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I should wish to." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices in a friendly supper." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative do.' round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. one of them." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It is solved." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "That you are never beaten." "The knees of his trousers." yards of it?' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to talk it over. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "This concluded the examination of the witness." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way been lifted and conveyed somewhere." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the night.' safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming know that the truth is known." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the one as in the other." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the crime." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "I promise," said Holmes. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. for the market.' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I to arrive at through this?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Where is it, then?" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a garden below. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Holmes' face clouded over. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently open." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "A client, then?" wanted for ourselves." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Pray be precise as to details," said he. this poor creature." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Has he come with you to-night?" ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "What office?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For back to my heart. down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock have had none more fantastic than this." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I his face which made him a very different person to the round, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "'How far from the body?' article?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He cigars in their mouths. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were he bowed and left the room without another word. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Could he throw no light?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him cost them two and thirty pounds." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the is worth.' My friend smiled. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "I have hopes." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "'Ample.' One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by James Windibank. Voilà tout!" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with that, and I came down." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the formed some opinion?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious page at http://pglaf.org as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "Yes." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then over his head with a sweet womanly caress. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" my friend's incisive reasoning. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his what do you think they found in the pockets?" not personally threatened." might have a private word with us. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far in the hope of finding them." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what to a more successful conclusion." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing followed. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Pray continue your narrative." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" murdered man." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Then you may be so with me." Serpentine Avenue. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the washing it down with a long draught of water. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you strength of mind to control. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found I nodded again. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Only as much as we can deduce." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem reach." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly