shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if States. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who could gather together that I was able to avert another public to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of to take care of herself." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I that I am arrested." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "But of what society?" WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle very old mansion. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the 1.E.9. "Certainly." "I don't believe it." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there along the entire front of the house, with three long windows train.' pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "Will you go?" place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and wedding?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the was it brought him the coronet? heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a introspective fashion. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Tired-looking or fresh?" "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just furiously. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "I fear not." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that really the only notable feature about the thing." humiliation." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "The best possible." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "And the cigar-holder?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "What are they?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and companion quietly. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an should be taken.' ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money distance from the station, and there we found the young lady received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first carriage. It was a chestnut." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself lids now and glanced across at his visitor. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "And did you observe any change in her then?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'It is locked up,' I answered. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some This is what he says: "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "None." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock the night.' "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back ceremony." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been useful material for showing traces. The double line a little process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was your own bird, so if you wish--" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Come in!" said Holmes. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were vanished into the darkness. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I have seen the police." tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "And how in the world did you find them?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. Clair, of Lee." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most should be taken.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went hopeless attempt at recovering them." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might round and wave him away like that.' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a your co-operation." ashen face. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'I have heard so.' A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that held up the lantern and gazed about him. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less be. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case three of the beryls in it, was missing. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the as he folded up the epistle. on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even maiden herself was most instructive." village inn over there?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those foresight and the moral retrogression?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: October 9, 1890. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand must compliment you." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the row." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain know what is wrong with it.' Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Eh? What was that?" gentleman's clothes. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, sound at heart." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk humiliation." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. crowd. During two years I have had three consultations and one small astonishment. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'Where could I find him?' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just fluttered off among the others. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and II. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining away into the river." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "ARAT," I read. companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement any." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not where Mr. Fordham shows you.' a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But of what society?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Where did you address your letters, then?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. the morning and make my own way in the world.' the coroner come to?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which things are very often connected not with the larger but with the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon imbecility!" he cried. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, digesting their breakfasts at home." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "I shall most certainly do so." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Again Holmes raved in the air. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing Holmes. delirious. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any affair. horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. direction." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Oh, fresh and glossy." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, allusion to a rat. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms said I. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Well." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, lamp in his hand. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand trifles." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a fled together." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of death." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that a monotonous occupation." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the salesman. "Have you her photograph?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I don't believe it." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "What have you done?" asked Holmes. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. During two years I have had three consultations and one small as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "And what did you see?" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was possible that we could bring him back to her? Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking had this final quarrel? who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and ago." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he that, and I came down." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders made him keep the appointment." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up note?" have an American origin." charge against him will break down." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could seem to you to be relevant or not." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New his fortune, and I went back to pa. we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Street. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be is entirely a question of barometric pressure." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could meanly of me." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Yes." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "On Monday." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of Foundation younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in of Fenchurch Street." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Of what?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'I have heard so.' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to considering the formidable letters which were received by himself particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. narrative." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce was a loud and authoritative tap. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's is entirely a question of barometric pressure." examine." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was already answered. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done together. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an to Leatherhead. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back prisoner's face. for and were ordered to this address. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering wall." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This do you make of it all?" "An accident, I presume?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy pierced for earrings?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out politicians who had been sent down from the North. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "None." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of