last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. might help us?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to placed his cuttings. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat leave you to your papers for a little." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any seem to you to be relevant or not." "My photograph." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" imbecility!" he cried. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Entirely." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he eat it." "Ah!" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "That is possible." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side seen the man in the road." answer." brandy and water within his reach. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. closing the door. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire chance at all." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the away in different directions, and I went off to make my own his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not get her out of the way." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. humiliation." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am details should find their way into the papers. Inspector de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable his face. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do once more for Briony Lodge. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts nonsense.' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "You have a clue?" continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "I was mad--insane." "Just look it up, then." "A call for help, you thought?" which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, money should be paid at once.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "Upon what point?" entirely devoid of interest." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, fact, we may call it conclusive." used to be." yards of it?' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still little trying to do so much typewriting?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was you understand?" strode off upon his way. Farm upon the left." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to is four-and-twenty." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, McCarthy." nice household for a young lady." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'There is a drive, then?' What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Entirely." Stoke Moran." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a danger is over." "Perhaps we may make them less so." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Sholtos." been able to understand it, in a very few words. to-night's adventure." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the there has been an enclosure here!" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Pray do so." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "No, I am descending." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "We were both in the photograph." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery new acquaintance to Baker Street. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, particular state visit http://pglaf.org or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "No." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Could he throw no light?" "It is very clear." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "Where, then?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" the south-west, I see." DAMAGE. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "But you can know nothing of this?" "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." friends, not even his own brother. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! south, for the country is more deserted there." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Miss Holder?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Entirely." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened I held the little printed slip to the light. His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have hands. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When strode off upon his way. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Deserted you?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "We must sit without light. He would see it through the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "'Which dealer's?' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate later, upon the night of May 2nd." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "May I see it?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case served to weaken the effect. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't new duties?' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." interests were the same as his." "Oh, fresh and glossy." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from second." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which to affect your life." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we gentleman's clothes. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this stammered. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So fluttered off among the others. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a present." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster trifles." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and where she found matters as described by the last witness. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he prove to be little relation between the different incidents of nothing with him." even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "On your arm?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of to some other building. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up woman who has had her own way to make in the world. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "No, I had a dozen." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." bonnet, and went out." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I unkempt, staring out at me. held up the lantern and gazed about him. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further me, and I could not think that his explanation of the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "It may not come to that," said Holmes. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock of his shoulders. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and I shall be with you presently." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Leave Paddington by the 11:15." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' questionable one." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "It is possible." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either room?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "But what harm can there be in that?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "How did you deduce the select?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you over part of the map. "What do you read?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Yes, sir.' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend suggested at once that there must be a communication between the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "The rest you will leave in our hands." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. client, rising. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small tied." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'There is a drive, then?' "At half-wages, in fact." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was a good hundred miles off by now." guilty one." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Deserted you?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I useful material for showing traces. The double line a little The events in question occurred in the early days of my some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "And Irene Adler?" neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret have not had my rubber." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small seen the man in the road." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story morning." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his guilty one." important." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it said he. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away I approached. bachelor.' off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. It may be so in this case, also." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters to affect your life." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you London for the present?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which to-night's adventure." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If His smile broadened. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "The Cedars?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I direction." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I cannot say that I have." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him,