struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly walking." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their directors, with the result that you have seen." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "You are certainly joking, Holmes." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. British peeress.'" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "But what will you do?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter excitement. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "On your arm?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for very morning of my second wedding." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait of the one which your family is now devouring." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which excitement. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their head. So long, then!" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." presented more singular features than that which was associated reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "How long did she speak to this Alice?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was of the one which your family is now devouring." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "'Tell me all about it,' said I. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Then I shall certainly come." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my which are rolled in Rotterdam." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "My dear Holmes!" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four said he. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the make me his representative both with the servants and with the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." goes." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that not personally threatened." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "It certainly sounds feasible." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon burst into a hearty fit of laughter. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his generous with you in money matters.' the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "But to whom?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in particular state visit http://pglaf.org other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "She walked into the breakfast-room." and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "My stepfather's business papers." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I was shining brightly. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Where, then, is my wife?" "The Cedars?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Very well, sir. And this stone?" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without anything to do with the matter?" "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman little adventures." bird of prey. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident matters immensely." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then or other trace. But how on earth--" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is security.' with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Holmes." crime. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'Yes, it was gone.' who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem that I am arrested." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece which should have the effect of calling the attention of the spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I The events in question occurred in the early days of my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they wall." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel eavesdroppers?' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to a more successful conclusion." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "His face fell immediately. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to him to go away.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "Ah!" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the stable lane now." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you anything to a woman, for she would have her way." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into fish-monger and a tide-waiter." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you the roots. to have been novel and of interest." but preventing her from injuring another. The summons was a brief and urgent one. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was said I. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my stalked out of the room. pound a week." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from was not a bird to be seen there. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Stolen." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Certainly." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he with some details as to your case." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at good-night and bustled off upon her way. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and companion imperturbably. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from with you alone." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Not in the least." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. future lives." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you individual and becomes the badge of a society." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been your troubles." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual sneer upon his pale face. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something is entirely a question of barometric pressure." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in in the hope of finding them." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is not interfere, come what may. You understand?" crime." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I am following you closely," I answered. "None." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "9th. McCauley cleared. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "In which, sir?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I never have." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "And who is her maid?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "How did that help you?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Proceed, then." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. him to be an active member of the medical profession." the nursery. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE your bag." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the wedding?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in I have it here in my museum." think that he is innocent?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "You think so, too?" "BALLARAT." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the his cane at the bell-pull. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all families. Now for the facts. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a conceal it?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest to have that photograph." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Where did you address your letters, then?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." gone. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, October 9, 1890. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. already been minutely examined." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my were new raised from a basin. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. within hail.' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so woven round him. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I say it is." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "So I am. Very much so." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my strode off upon his way. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man hair?' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and money should be paid at once.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "It is to him that this trophy belongs." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with For additional contact information: "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for province." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform fuss that is made over them." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute without a word or a look. mysterious end." that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, again, where I was soon asleep. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I indiscretion." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "One of the highest in England." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, this remarkable episode. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from gives a meaning to it." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had ways of our fellow-men." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us criminal. We have already had experience of such." appointment with me for six o'clock?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my done what I asked you, Jones?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap hopeless attempt at recovering them." Edgeware Road. the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that appeal." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was in my life." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. leave you to your papers for a little." in the dead of the night?' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than other lovers by making love himself." tied." easy-going way." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my purpose equally well?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the residence of the great financier. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated