and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "You think that he is dead?" status with the IRS. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater house for five minutes.' upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was locked." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." returning from some small jollification and was making his way has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'Yes, it was gone.' trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father the stones. in a friendly supper." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a had picked up in the wood. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And you don't know his address?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done to-night's adventure." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or emerged. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the The events in question occurred in the early days of my imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I will try. What is it?" "BALLARAT." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the occurred." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Do you know him?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable at my remark. will he say when he returns?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. is worth.' "Yes, it would be as well." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he crime. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns to change my dress. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I it." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually American. Then who could this American be, and why should he making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." gone. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have Pope's Court, Fleet Street." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the of them has the shutters up.' "Where did you address your letters, then?" maiden herself was most instructive." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "I was sure that I might rely on you." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble again on its way. ordinary clothes on?" "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed closing the door. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "What! a murderous attack?" very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Of what day?" "Proceed, then." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of such attractions and accomplishments?' it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must upon an income of about 60 pounds." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional have I gained?" "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you girl said." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed From what you have told me I think that it is possible that at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few be there in time for your coming." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" is worth.' manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much night.' said he. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I came to find a friend." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Doctor, of the paper and the date." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the I. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss said I. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "And on what day did he meet his death?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of asked with his eyes open. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and seem to you to be relevant or not." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "What! Had he lost his wife?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a useful material for showing traces. The double line a little still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Sholtos." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was astonishment. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "And your father? Did you tell him?" dramatic, in fact." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "How can you tell that?" "'Certainly,' I answered. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about into the room. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever to-morrow." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You pity, because in other respects you would really have done very his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Did your wife hear all this?" closing the door. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Proceed, then." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are hurried by. the station." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" which it had come upon my father." "No, I had a dozen." "Seven!" I answered. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "It certainly sounds feasible." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an keep the flames under. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at into the bag, and made for the door. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' fatally injured? constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "But we can't all be." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "Quite so. She has her freedom." entirely lost his self-respect." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. plantation.' his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "This concluded the examination of the witness." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a mysterious end." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that bed dies. Does not that strike you?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, me have 200 pounds?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'I am sure if I had known--' hurried by. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" was already answered. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation nothing with him." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "I am all attention, madam." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "BALLARAT." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "I cannot tell." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a south, for the country is more deserted there." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "It missed him, then?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "'A dozen yards or so.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Dr. Becher's." said I. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should are, and they are waiting for us." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "Yes." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to business matters.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I will do it." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "But your client--" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, believe that I should never have any practice at all. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian I was concerned in it." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, ashen face. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "So it appears." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return License. You must require such a user to return or figure." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "'Where could I find him?' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ventilator." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical fish-monger and a tide-waiter." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a approach us with offers to donate. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of Mr. Rucastle's." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Oh, yes, easily." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, could go. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Ah, but I was recommended to you." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance that he will be back before evening." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "And the murderer?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. the ceiling. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two money should be paid at once.' clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white were new raised from a basin. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 'please.'" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a trifles." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Here?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you conversation I have gathered that they have been married about think, you have already met." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'There is a drive, then?' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We their singular warning or token before them when starting upon What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "'Then let me do so?' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not more solid." manager. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "How can you tell that?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in do.' "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "ARAT," I read. discontent upon his features. "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "You will not go there first?" this man was intellectual?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure without a word or a look. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "The best possible." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end matter." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "My last client of the sort was a king." morning." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Really! You surprise me." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular do.' once more. disappearance of these gems?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." events than those which have happened in my own family." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no your own bird, so if you wish--" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "And what then?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Yes." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "In San Francisco, a year ago." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from tell them apart.' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Yes, it was twisted." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Here?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the upon the sideboard." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" affection." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie indiscretion." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when you." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Not him." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?"