mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to society." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to lumber-room." "On your arm?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and hurried away. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the your own bird, so if you wish--" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Two days later this same performance was gone through under waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, past. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than simple cases which are so extremely difficult." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "And your father? Did you tell him?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "And how?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "On your arm?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two to-night's adventure." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Does that suggest anything?" it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one of campaign. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question residence of the great financier. placed his cuttings. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and once more for Briony Lodge. shall not find me ungrateful." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" outside." chance." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "I am all attention, madam." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight tied." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Two days later this same performance was gone through under heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Arthur Conan Doyle "What have you to say now?" to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "And how did you verify them?" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do several quiet little villages up there." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. gone. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an reach." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Then what has happened to him?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "And when will you call?" relief. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "ARAT," I read. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend call for protection in the marriage market, for the present who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. are windows in it, of course?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of business came to an end." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots tension within him. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she present." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than it right.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Why did you pick him?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost writing, and yet I know it well." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Not him." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I fear not." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "And I to find an enemy." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "An accident, I presume?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Project Gutenberg-tm works. nonsense.' entirely devoid of interest." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black true." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one which our visitor detailed to us. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote carriage. It was a chestnut." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." any little problem which you may submit to me." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources the so-precious time, but come!' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of What do you deduce from it?" my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "What, then?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a to-night." matter over." "Very murderous indeed." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our all that?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "But how did you gain them?" door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning ago." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "And why?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers standing smiling on the door-step. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," detained." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias leaning back in his chair. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from said I. You want to know what became of those geese?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his used to be." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has carpenter." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my your Highness to the police-station?" out." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "No legal papers or certificates?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few prepare for the new role I have to play." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "'Certainly,' I answered. "Yes." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good new acquaintance to Baker Street. TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I beg that you will break it off." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "At what time?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "To an English lawyer named Norton." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." it. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "How did he come?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Deserted you?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect License. You must require such a user to return or wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Mrs. Toller serenely. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I see no marks." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "How did you trace it, then?" "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, invisible to me," I remarked. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "'I have heard so.' Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. get the tickets." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which of the way of danger. of the one which your family is now devouring." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered details should find their way into the papers. Inspector but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I details should find their way into the papers. Inspector iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our get her out of the way." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "What is it, then--a fire?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this could not have written that. It is the German who is so and capable of preserving a secret.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed may have an influence upon European history." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he dramatic, in fact." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to relief. "Eh? What was that?" About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate with frightened eyes at his accuser. "In which, sir?" I. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the coroner come to?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel The King stared at him in amazement. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "You think that he is dead?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of voice, changing her seat as requested. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I was used.' downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I see no marks." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "In the cells." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" so far?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Ten will be early enough." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a the night.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Leave Paddington by the 11:15." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no events than those which have happened in my own family." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "But you have hopes?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Young McCarthy must be got off, however." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best The telegram which we eventually received came late one night pictures, libraries, or plate. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the interests were the same as his." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some business in the City. She little knew what. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & populous neighbourhood." father's young wife. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who wall." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "'Ample.' His smile broadened. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known becomes even more simple." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have quite distinctive." "I have come for advice." as this. Pray let me have the details." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Then I am your man."