made his money." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, to a light-house. time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with and no precautions can guard against." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. me upon any point which I do not make clear." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "We have tried and failed." "Your sister is dead, then?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was despair." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from of his shoulders. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy records." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to conversation I have gathered that they have been married about morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and http://gutenberg.net/license). Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The when you have done it." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, that where we are going." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then which we had just quitted. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. joking. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him wedding?" enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." disturbance in my wife." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "To the police?" blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. a very grave face. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, you want, then?' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord ourselves in the office." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and enough to aid us in our search." own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and them?" enter Dr. Roylott's room." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found will he say when he returns?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which followed. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Heh?' not personally threatened." himself to tell his story. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took key turn in the lock." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Yes?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure way: the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each do." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "I have solved it." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet writer." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and instincts rose up against that laugh. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Only as much as we can deduce." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his gigantic client. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his there were one or two details which were new to me. But the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to Have you good authority for what you say?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "That is it on the dressing-table." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies villagers almost as much as their master. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, sake, don't!" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "No. What a strange idea!" recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of the way of danger. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "One?" I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Here?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." for securing the situation." horse could go." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I cannot think." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by without a word or a look. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Has he come with you to-night?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now not as remarkable as your advertisement." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "'And the work?' room had already been engaged for us. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting forecastle of an emigrant ship. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "What! a murderous attack?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "'You cannot say what it was?' cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came he bowed and left the room without another word. strode off upon his way. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. touch that coronet?' reach." make me his representative both with the servants and with the "What have you to say now?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his hour?' first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, in this way: secret." could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. wedding?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged my special province." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, 1.E.9. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning persecution?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "When did she vanish, then?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "So I have heard." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, been." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. maiden herself was most instructive." "That is easily got." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I your most interesting statement." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from noise which awoke you from your sleep?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Lestrade of Scotland Yard." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "My Mary? Impossible!" direction." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" not come at once?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Yes." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I cannot tell." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "It was an hour's good drive." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him me upon any point which I do not make clear." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in conceal it?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from detective. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your imbecility!" he cried. mysterious business." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "That sounds a little paradoxical." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I will get her to show me." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "'How far from the body?' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. behind me. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called *** START: FULL LICENSE *** a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'In my own bureau.' of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You think that he is dead?" It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "And from a noble client?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be round and wave him away like that.' "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from to tell." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business Serpentine Avenue. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. second window is the one that I jumped from." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the gone. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this woman who has had her own way to make in the world. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in conclusions. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down grasp, he hurried from the room. charge against him will break down." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "At half-wages, in fact." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am bell. Holmes whistled. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the client, rising. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be chance at all." undoubtedly my uncle's." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful became a certainty. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting remarked. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his of." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the address that was given us in the advertisement. chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the business at Coburg Square is serious." "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the have I gained?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is forbidden door. remarked. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: bird of prey. "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Oh, the cause is excellent!" narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "You think that he is dead?" few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents