dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of was once confined in the cab my mission was practically hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all before the coroner and the police-court." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "You think so, too?" self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of your young ladies.' 1.F. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, British peeress.'" affection." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "It is a murder, then?" his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of 1.F. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the chance at all." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Absolutely none." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You about here speaks of his kindness to him." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Nearly eleven." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which girl said." that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "You think that he is dead?" key of the affair now." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Stolen." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton even of instruction." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a voice. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Dr. Becher's." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical redistribution. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "But his lameness?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow of it with the greatest attention. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "In heaven's name, what for?" "And what then?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she I nodded again. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a disappearance of the bride.'" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little not use it unless it is absolutely needed." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium distinguish the words: "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. hour." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "And when will you call?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be nothing of it?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have examine." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project husband's writing, madam." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which correct than the official force." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "What I expected to see." the dangers which encompass me." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it outsides of the windows. copied or distributed: platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "The landlord of the Alpha." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which go back?" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass see me here to avoid scandal." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for that you can jump it.' "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the station." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I should like to see him very much." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which in the hope of finding them." "We have tried and failed." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard unkempt, staring out at me. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "'I shall certainly be there.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in the loss of it. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with place no limit on the sum I may draw." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned than to us. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we the iron safe, which he closed upon it. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "And your mother is alive?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of remarked. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found standing smiling on the door-step. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he into her hand at the door and which lured her within their makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he light and attacked it." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "By no means." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered to a light-house. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'It is locked up,' I answered. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should murdered man." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "Now, then, what's the last entry?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, better grown goose." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. himself to hunt down. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "What will you do, then?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." your most interesting statement." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the he bowed and left the room without another word. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving it? Did I buy the geese off you?" rat could hardly pass through." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an My friend smiled. particular state visit http://pglaf.org father's place of business?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "You know me, then?" straighten it?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, lips." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard attention." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial is four-and-twenty." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "'Very good.' business in the City. She little knew what. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." acquaintance?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A past. once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "So I heard. You have him here?" "No." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "About a month then." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms again before evening." "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "And Miss Sutherland?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote he. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely friend's singular character. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, true." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Yes, but only for you and me." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by help us in this matter." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "And leave your case unfinished?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your before, for it was considerably after midnight. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking following enigmatical notices: though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will go--none." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "No bad?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "One of the highest in England." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "'What do you call purely nominal?' box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air said he. "If I can be of use." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us is," said he presently: said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Of Friday, June 19th." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Munro.' building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "It is his hat." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature approach us with offers to donate. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little hour?' Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Texas, I think." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and of the vacancies.' foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "So it appears." discontent upon his features. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. stood on the top of it. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, outbreak?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'I shall certainly be there.' to-night?" I asked. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the such attractions and accomplishments?' "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. I shall continue with my miserable story. criminal. We have already had experience of such." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune tell them apart.' discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "A client, then?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how