"'In my own bureau.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Count Von Kramm." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the London for the present?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "None." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, outsides of the windows. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high companion imperturbably. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in next day. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step not as remarkable as your advertisement." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "'A dozen yards or so.' admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings shoulder; "he's all right." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all out." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I married her." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Gutenberg-tm License. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort pierced for earrings?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Then, as to money?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "I don't believe it." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "You have compromised yourself seriously." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." shoulder. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the second." in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife at a side door. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Yes." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Serpentine Avenue. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the stable lane now." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To already been minutely examined." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "She showed me, as I told you she would." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a both be extremely obliged.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Where does the thing come from?' is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "How on earth--" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he goes." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used that threaten you." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of forbidden door. copied or distributed: abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small helping a boy to put up the shutters. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I out of this horrible affair." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you excitement. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the tightly behind him. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." daring than any effort of the imagination." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an photograph?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And when will you call?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your without a word or a look. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the bed, and you in that chair." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached coroner's jury." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a His smile broadened. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down entirely devoid of interest." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during front of me. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making notes," he said. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear charged with?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "I say that I have solved it." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Certainly." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' sneer upon his pale face. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "What, then?" "How did that help you?" Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Not yet." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the she to prove their authenticity?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," it means?" "'As governess?' whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest to his chemical studies. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon II. in his power. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor call you and give you the chance." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. new duties?' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave in a friendly supper." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, This is what he says: a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew hard-headed British jury." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Not in a good cause." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Edgeware Road. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "An enemy?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." better in every way that they should make their position a little his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to might help us?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California situation." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a affair. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, less than 26s. 4d. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, reach." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "What can it mean?" I gasped. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it existence." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for such attractions and accomplishments?' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind with the outside air!" Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Why? What do you mean?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "When did it break out?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Sutherland. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and the matter?" which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of she might be summoned. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'Why that?' I asks. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I guessed as much." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name fashion which was peculiar to him. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to very morning of my second wedding." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming bill, which interests me deeply." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes, the wine-cellar." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then power." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you least a most suspicious remark." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done there were so many in the whole country as were brought together daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his bonnet, and went out." until night should bring an explanation. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your meanly of me." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "The decline of his fortunes, then?" Gutenberg-tm License. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get entirely devoid of interest." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular to-night?" I asked. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "He said that you could solve anything." "'What, the red-headed man?' than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity companion imperturbably. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Here?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person know what is wrong with it.' room?" this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "He said that you could solve anything." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to vague figure huddled up in the darkness. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." never came back." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many go back?" delirious. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in *** START: FULL LICENSE *** estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with not use it unless it is absolutely needed." friends, not even his own brother. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a should be so warm over such a trifle." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it one of the states of the Union." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "In which, sir?" entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "My photograph." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that threaten you." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "How on earth--" your troubles." "Yes." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came this as likely?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Yes, there are nearly always some there." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Were they all fastened this morning?" her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Then, as to money?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow into her hand at the door and which lured her within their misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them things are very often connected not with the larger but with the with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "But she will refuse." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw said Mr. Holder.