"'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Thank you. And your address?" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Pray be precise as to details," said he. the warnings." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "What is it, then--a fire?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "I am in hopes that she does." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, sneer upon his pale face. 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I guessed as much." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced that I can to serve you." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we question," said Holmes, smiling. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch existence." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began The events in question occurred in the early days of my do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the giving me time to thank him. down. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Ten will be early enough." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "You know me, then?" "'Then let me do so?' "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, tension within him. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I would give my fortune to have them back." than was visible to me." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project he. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was a very grave face. time." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Then I am your man." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, be best to do. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies works. helping a boy to put up the shutters. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Certainly." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man appeal." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and that he would see to anything that turned up. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "My photograph." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Doctor, of the paper and the date." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a washing it down with a long draught of water. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just developed." Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and it need not interfere very much with one's other into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. of them has the shutters up.' upon the sideboard." "He slept on the premises." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." my little problems." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature present strange and interesting features that it is no easy upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him she used." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth answer." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Ah!" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Yes, sir." to me. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard during which he might have communicated with his friend the had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your about here speaks of his kindness to him." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "So I heard. You have him here?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "But his left-handedness." league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of depend upon your compliance." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can cigars in the box." business matters.' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, out." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "To an English lawyer named Norton." feature." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "What shall I do?" beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in drove away. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed weapon." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the cigar and let me expound." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "But how did you gain them?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate there has been an enclosure here!" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all might have a private word with us. "And it is--" new duties?' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he rose-bushes. locked." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the union?" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Cross for the Continent." my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Yes." "You did not overhear what they said?" Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the very morning of the wedding." you do it in twenty minutes!' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "'Ample.' goes." in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need The events in question occurred in the early days of my could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. better in every way that they should make their position a little a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk opened the door, and slipped through. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried in the dead of the night?' is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. think that any burglar could have done. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not arrested. You then--" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they directly by questioning you." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, then?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Proceed, then." our word." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are criminal. We have already had experience of such." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and capable of preserving a secret.' borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "No, distinctly professional." intrusion of other matters." "But she will refuse." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes will he say when he returns?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning will take you up to see the machine.' "Witness: It was. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as populous neighbourhood." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "No good news?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "I assure you that I am in your hands." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and becomes even more simple." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Your sister is dead, then?" behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but happened." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went trifles." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Have you good authority for what you say?" II. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, peculiar to him. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my mystery may be cleared along those lines." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. served to weaken the effect. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It is his hat." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my and effective." relief. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed fact, we may call it conclusive." Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Very truly yours, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "When did she vanish, then?" residence of the great financier. villagers almost as much as their master. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the crime. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and cup of tea. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal locked. "Stolen." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to call for it in person on Monday morning.' sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Holmes' room. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Of what?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can is now desirous of getting those letters back." black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and this poor creature." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Yes." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a are windows in it, of course?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together she used." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "I shall be delighted." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over and all of them with the keenest interest. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off papers must be those that are destroyed.' he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards she to prove their authenticity?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with have accepted such a situation. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural outsides of the windows. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat."