the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "I shall most certainly do so." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the gone before you can get him to hospital." "How did you trace it, then?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Not in a good cause." Gutenberg-tm License. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what have been better. It is all right." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune them?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer four million human beings all jostling each other within the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Did your wife hear all this?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained that, and I came down." fashion which was peculiar to him. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Was he the only applicant?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side My friend smiled. the running down." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, correct than the official force." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "I warn you that they are very incomplete." upon a handsome competence. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the one of them." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear strength of mind to control. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as character. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's weigh very heavily upon my conscience." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "What?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided evidence," I remarked. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square thin legs towards the fire. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small wedding?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Not in a good cause." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Young McCarthy must be got off, however." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very light and attacked it." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "How did you trace it, then?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the room?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they has little to do with my story." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the could not account in any way for the presence of the missing photograph?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a instituted." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would emerged. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property chair. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen indeed happy." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility them present such singular features as the strange train of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual more solid." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I will do it." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and wedding?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." read over the extraordinary announcement. charge against him will break down." "I beg pardon." "There is the writing." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "But how will you look?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "'I shall certainly be there.' of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "I cannot say that I have." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so advice." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but on in his house." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It hurried away. going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'Is 4 pounds a week.' well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Then, how do you know?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There would then never go into court at all." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Holmes' face clouded over. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of in his hands." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Perfectly so." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Mary, has deserted me." the salesman. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at there!' Mary, has deserted me." had died away into the silence from which it rose. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue get the tickets." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My only touch the interest." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of when you have done it." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Perfectly so." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the general public were present, then?" of a light. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Nothing." to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal to some other building. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood that I can to serve you." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the tightly behind him. Holmes. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Holmes. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a a good hundred miles off by now." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'I shall certainly be there.' saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "The Cedars?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his keep the flames under. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' out." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Serpentine Avenue. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "'Yes.' to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "'Yes, it was gone.' them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "I will get her to show me." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and fled together." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave than was visible to me." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. rose-bushes. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Perhaps we may make them less so." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, be best to do. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" is so. I know all about McCarthy." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid whether it answered to the description of any of their drove away. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "It is a murder, then?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "And I to find an enemy." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "Then, as to money?" "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated always that they were such commands as a lady might with "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last will he say when he returns?" weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I whole matter to your consideration." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the ceiling. and all of them with the keenest interest. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a young Openshaw's." "'A dozen yards or so.' Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he over part of the map. "What do you read?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been could not have written that. It is the German who is so homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Look there!" said he. he. "My dear Holmes!" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "It is half-past ten now." extraordinary contortions. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the coronet in his hand?" observed. "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy laugh and put his lips to my ear. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there used to be." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and this truth that in these little records of our cases which you brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "The rest you will leave in our hands." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "That is possible." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the goes." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "I never have." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "None." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and call you and give you the chance." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that south, for the country is more deserted there." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, not fit the lock." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. trying to your nerves." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "So I heard. You have him here?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a as noiselessly as she had come. "On the contrary, this is the right side." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "From his hat?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "Entirely." entirely devoid of interest." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. me upon any point which I do not make clear." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "'Yes, sir.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds were unconscious?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to and wait." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp is four-and-twenty." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused and capable of preserving a secret.' "'It is locked up,' I answered. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon nonsense.' the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "'And the work?' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig."