and all of them with the keenest interest. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, letters?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That I was concerned in it." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down characteristics, but those are the more obvious." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave important." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say you understand?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with morning." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's could go. companion imperturbably. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "And from a noble client?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "Yes, that is the Crown." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I gbnewby@pglaf.org "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and horse could go." in him." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to my room." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "But the mystery?" James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom for the market.' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall this poor creature." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at his fortune, and I went back to pa. three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had certainly not very gracious." conduct the inquiry." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "'A dozen yards or so.' Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Yes, sir." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can you do it in twenty minutes!' the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the second window is the one that I jumped from." pierced for earrings?" and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, was lame." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking written, and locked the door of the office after me. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin generous with you in money matters.' seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "9th. McCauley cleared. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through are windows in it, of course?" never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I will try. What is it?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by people don't know." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be yourselves in at night?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I then?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this 'please.'" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, think that any burglar could have done. him to go away.' straightened it out again. persecution?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "When did it break out?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "The doctor?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Well?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Upon what point?" "Certainly." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I will do it." "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove conversation I have gathered that they have been married about estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Yes, they were peculiar boots." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting http://www.gutenberg.net furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a my secret was safe in his possession. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be residence of the great financier. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "Yes." "And why in hopes?" "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the matter?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A side. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "And sit in the dark?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief newspaper selections." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds digesting their breakfasts at home." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Was she in good spirits?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Pray continue your narrative." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my which should have the effect of calling the attention of the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. he. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than tail." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "Did you observe the colour?" on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Why did you beat the pavement?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an drawing your inferences." goes." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side way in everything. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "At half-wages, in fact." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out considering the formidable letters which were received by himself unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the little trying to do so much typewriting?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who sound at heart." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope Lestrade of Scotland Yard." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My companion imperturbably. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "I never have." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. closing the door. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Pray do so." "You are all wrong." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your unclasping of his long thin hands. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Very truly yours, "You will not go there first?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. had formerly been in part my own. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Not in the least." photograph a cabinet?" "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "How do you know, then?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "What have you done?" asked Holmes. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad of Fenchurch Street." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he photograph a cabinet?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good to affect your life." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. breakfast." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! with the outside air!" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and an introduction to him?" first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "'And what are they worth?' I asked. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the points to suicide?" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "She walked into the breakfast-room." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback of fine shops and stately business premises that they really heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner but preventing her from injuring another. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and prosperity to your house. Good-night." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number his face which made him a very different person to the round, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Yes." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger questioning and rather startled gaze. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical way in." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to suspect him." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but must be when I saw the door open.' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in been anything against him. He had for years been known as a building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "ARAT," I read. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the ceiling. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the fled together." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A plantation.' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "The rest you will leave in our hands." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there all that?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "The Cedars?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry unprofitable." "You were travelling in the States?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" bill, which interests me deeply." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, even of instruction." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Bought." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest evidence," I remarked. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There call for protection in the marriage market, for the present warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William signal between you and your father? fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further less than 26s. 4d. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Frequently." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. to-night's adventure." "He is still with you, I presume?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that ways of our fellow-men." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each is so. I know all about McCarthy." "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I voice, changing her seat as requested. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst His name is Francis Prosper." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it him!" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. entirely devoid of interest." and wait." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms everything which you would wish to know." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so highly," said Holmes. here." for its centre. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to here." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I will get her to show me." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes of Fenchurch Street." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper later, upon the night of May 2nd." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "But not more so than I to find you." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat approach us with offers to donate. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "And what did you learn from him?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "But how did you gain them?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Holmes' thin, eager face. "One of his hands." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is or other trace. But how on earth--" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "It surprised me." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to