the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Nothing." ago." not within a twentieth part of the market price." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every quite distinctive." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if coat-tails." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended business came to an end." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and round and wave him away like that.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it here." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and what do you think they found in the pockets?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have arms and began to sob in a high treble key. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "Very much so." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and own family. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "To the police?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "No, I think that I'll take it." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very occurred." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'Not at all. I only doubt--' For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella might have a private word with us. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the we went to search for him, face downward in a little look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I will, Miss Turner." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a shall not find me ungrateful." "And I to find an enemy." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "So it appears." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, me where it went to?" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Does that suggest anything?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the a very grave face. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the not, dad?" she asked. "I beg pardon." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "'Certainly not.' window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We detective. "Texas, I think." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm never will be, entirely cleared up. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Get out!" said he. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "And how in the world did you find them?" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And cigars in the box." is now desirous of getting those letters back." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "And on what day did he meet his death?" cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying been deceived." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this official police." "But you can know nothing of this?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It is very clear." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a ran thus: appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of main points of my analysis." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of not personally threatened." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "You horrify me." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Heh?' scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Certainly, madam." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. vault. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a the salesman. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You have compromised yourself seriously." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic morning." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The knees of his trousers." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three License. You must require such a user to return or souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I don't say that. Perhaps." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from once more to my work. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? could gather together that I was able to avert another public that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Dirty?" overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. shall use the carriage to-night." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George was the fact that his father should, according to his account, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were his cane at the bell-pull. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." all?" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! upon an income of about 60 pounds." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of cup of tea. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are not within a twentieth part of the market price." door?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "No, distinctly professional." a good hundred miles off by now." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Holmes. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular did not hear it also.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "What is it?" if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "But how did you gain them?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Doctor, of the paper and the date." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' to that open window." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Yes, sir." London for the present?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four or other trace. But how on earth--" upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. II. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the very morning of the wedding." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "How on earth--" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, spare." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you friend's singular character. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The been." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and must be when I saw the door open.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads unclasping of his long thin hands. habit of advancing money.' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "I have seen the police." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the the coroner come to?" seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that absolutely follow my advice in every respect." young Openshaw's." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom vault. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San noble correspondent could be. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I cannot say that I have." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "But how?" about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight followed. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "No legal papers or certificates?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, hand, madam?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "But I am all in the dark." "My private note-paper." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't himself in a perplexing position. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence fait accompli?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after he bowed and left the room without another word. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune politicians who had been sent down from the North. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. in my life." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing always that they were such commands as a lady might with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "You think so, too?" "I promise," said Holmes. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself thirty. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a colour had been driven from his face. many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that advice." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "How do you know, then?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" girl said." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "You think that he is dead?" without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence business." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day train from Paddington which would bring you there at about The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a make me his representative both with the servants and with the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Then the page we have seen--" will be renamed. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry tell him that I know him to be innocent." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Then I shall certainly come." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled eavesdroppers?' Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who assist you in forming an opinion." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now back into the street. whereabouts. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "The landlord of the Alpha." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it go from here to the Strand." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face occurred." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "But she could not love him." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I all that?" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I call the police, let the police find what they can.' that I can to serve you." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" matter." yourselves in at night?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I meant it for the best. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads like gravel from a pit.' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly in a very precise fashion." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged second window is the one that I jumped from." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as means taking possession of that which another person has a prior professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was that there was nothing in it, after all." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Precisely." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn it." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who his wife has ceased to love him." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end