particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Then, how do you know?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face be. "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are furiously. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly crime. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "Two days later this same performance was gone through under to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several money should be paid at once.' the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his within hail.' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first more terrible than the truth. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the business?" "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and been with you?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "How did you deduce the select?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William keep the flames under. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord excitement. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as not within a twentieth part of the market price." bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he examine." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "And why?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been answer." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, have an American origin." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "And how did he make his money?" roused himself from his reverie. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "That is easily got." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without be sorry for having acted so harshly." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a your Highness to the police-station?" town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a yet." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in with the outside air!" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned was feeling which was the fattest.' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before ventilator." "'Quite sure, dad.' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the iron safe, which he closed upon it. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit true." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon skylight. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. little trying to do so much typewriting?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a fat-encircled eyes. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight row." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as vault. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I think that it is very probable." and your relations to her." "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a be.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "No, I had a dozen." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the all that?" America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my burst out into a roar of laughter. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here once more. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it such attractions and accomplishments?' unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "He slept on the premises." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." maiden herself was most instructive." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "The decline of his fortunes, then?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If brandy and water within his reach. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "You will not go there first?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "'As governess?' "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the head. So long, then!" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one copied or distributed: effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "You don't mind breaking the law?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in possible that we could bring him back to her? girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the noting anything else of interest. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting key of the affair now." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught may have an influence upon European history." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the affection." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "Your sister is dead, then?" bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley gentleman's clothes. "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Is he quiet?" strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Never,' said I. call it cruel." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Yes." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "It came here." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I will get her to show me." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have chair. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Certainly." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Here?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." gives a meaning to it." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, she used." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. charged with?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Game for a morning drive?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'Yes, sir.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "'I am sure if I had known--' "What steps will you take?" I asked. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the developed." be. "Never." writers could invent nothing more crude." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a business?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the the bottom.' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a directly by questioning you." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What!" he roared. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether weighed down with some great anxiety. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw me." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Where could I find him?' seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the daring than any effort of the imagination." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, from you?" "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. himself in a perplexing position. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At my little problems." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Not in a good cause." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "It was." sneer upon his pale face. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that breakfast." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to be.' guilty one." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! eavesdroppers?' he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." spark where all is dark to me." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes' thin, eager face. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, possible that we could bring him back to her? open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I your room." trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'It is locked up,' I answered. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Holmes, the busybody!" much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. written. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both come either from the window or the door. My attention was 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. IS "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard a room. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "This concluded the examination of the witness." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the go from here to the Strand." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "Oh, the cause is excellent!" beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, the roots. "From his hat?" double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here http://www.gutenberg.net clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "I was afraid that you were engaged." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had case before our client came into the room." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the for and were ordered to this address. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a bedroom door." both be extremely obliged.' of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. himself.