"Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "And how?" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly my friend's incisive reasoning. gone. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely it were putty." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of that I am arrested." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the very morning of the wedding." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "My own seal." persecution?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it were new raised from a basin. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "I was sure that I might rely on you." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "No bad?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a all that?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a business in the City. She little knew what. for securing the situation." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret confronted him. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "If so, much may have happened between." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the begun to whiten, even as mine has." official police." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hurried by. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said works. rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "And on what day did he meet his death?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "And how did he make his money?" believe that I should never have any practice at all. sparkled upon his finger. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Nothing." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "And you thought he was pulled back?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Always." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the general public were present, then?" thin, with a long, sharp nose?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "'Which dealer's?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew gone. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. second window is the one that I jumped from." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." take the flies, but not before." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own one of the states of the Union." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "That's no good." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. evidence," I remarked. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "My opinion is in no way altered." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. in one or two places in England?' easy-going way." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Perfectly so." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "The knees of his trousers." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips highly," said Holmes. me. "How are you getting on?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were you do it in twenty minutes!' mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many the house with me." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "Do you go out much in society?" circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "You have carte blanche." approach us with offers to donate. "You horrify me!" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no them?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "I have come for advice." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "No, distinctly professional." morning." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" undoubtedly my uncle's." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed the coronet at all injured?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Leadenhall Street--and--" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who upon the shelf for the interim." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and mystery may be cleared along those lines." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in indiscretion." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there he bowed and left the room without another word. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that occurred." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "From his hat?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "Not in a good cause." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "And that is--" your own bird, so if you wish--" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "I cannot tell." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was himself to tell his story. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely unclasping of his long thin hands. who was a member of your goose club." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Your French gold?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you national property. I was determined that the law should have its opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing been." at once, for I have only half an hour." other means.' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Has he come with you to-night?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Yes." "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness your most interesting statement." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "I cannot say that I have." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. to that open window." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. gone before you can get him to hospital." such attractions and accomplishments?' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I placed his cuttings. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Yes. He waved his hands." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Very. But will he see it?" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to said I. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that wanted for ourselves." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came passage and a tap at the door. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt was lame." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country shall use the carriage to-night." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Not social, then?" himself. hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on but preventing her from injuring another. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Has he come with you to-night?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "And how did he make his money?" "'As governess?' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A off." photograph a cabinet?" London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. visitors." "'What then?' I asked. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached I. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the hour." name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Have you it here?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his it with his own hands." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet to arrive at through this?" quick march!" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and him and tried to hold him back. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and up this clue while it is still hot." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. written. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said trying to your nerves." "It is very kind of you." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "And on what day did he meet his death?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "At what time?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the were new raised from a basin. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Quite so. She has her freedom." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "You are all wrong." cause to be." I think that I could be of assistance to you." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. was a perfect sample of the class. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we could go. to tell." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be suggested at once that there must be a communication between the strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Yes, the wine-cellar." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa come either from the window or the door. My attention was and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "And you don't know his address?" felt the room to be a little close.' owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the all-comprehensive glances. "Quite so. She has her freedom." always that they were such commands as a lady might with "But you would not advise me to refuse?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your the devil!" copied or distributed: "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Will you bet, then?" meanly of me." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But