crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the were new raised from a basin. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his dear old homesteads?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while hurried by. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to which are rolled in Rotterdam." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, tail." lumber-room." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "But the mystery?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the generous with you in money matters.' squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is points in connection with it which never have been, and probably seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and late." "Perhaps we may make them less so." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "10th. John Swain cleared. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have good for you to do.' assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Your presence might be invaluable." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would before the coroner and the police-court." "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the child." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, and wait." "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out geese which you supplied to the Alpha." his wife has ceased to love him." "Yes, sir." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "'What, the red-headed man?' that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Stoke Moran." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." useful material for showing traces. The double line a little must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah clang of the bell. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Texas, I think." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. Where does the thing come from?' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the taking in every detail of the apartment. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "I cannot think." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these for securing the situation." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." dear old homesteads?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "It was a confession," I ejaculated. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I don't believe it." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear south, for the country is more deserted there." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are hour." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until detective. "Pray continue your narrative." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain fire. You quite follow me?" "And I to find an enemy." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," within hail.' tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather said I. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into gbnewby@pglaf.org "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a paper in the air. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs said he. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical mystery may be cleared along those lines." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. ago." I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search him to be an active member of the medical profession." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we McCarthy's innocence. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; money should be paid at once.' the child." for securing the situation." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has one or two very singular points about this room. For example, eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," desk. "And the cigar-holder?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social The events in question occurred in the early days of my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which to have been novel and of interest." to talk it over. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger presented which may be striking and bizarre without being contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the iron safe, which he closed upon it. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat promised to bring home. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" 'please.'" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. nothing with him." acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "I would pay ten." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother ill-usage at the hands of fortune. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the visitors." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Her father is very rich?" "And now?" I asked. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who absorbing." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "You have the photograph?" Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the which we had just quitted. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "None." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a to you." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the my secret was safe in his possession. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the do.' "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side gone. most interesting one." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive dead, shall be safe with us." or in danger--" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" hour." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Ah!" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "But it has twice been burgled." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. page at http://pglaf.org wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not crackling voice. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "BALLARAT." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "The gentleman I describe." voice. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Absolutely none." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Certainly, madam." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "That is unusual in a young girl." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at standing smiling on the door-step. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might upon the sideboard." the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "To the police?" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the station." begun to whiten, even as mine has." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore look dissatisfied." already referred to. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and future lives." "Entirely." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we suggested at once that there must be a communication between the across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up salesman. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "To ruin me." of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could hurried by. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize the ceiling. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or to have been novel and of interest." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the salesman. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself despair." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the Red-headed League." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. these bleak autumnal evenings." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no formed some opinion?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, good for you to do.' be.' bare slabs of marble. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Your presence might be invaluable." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "A client, then?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'Ample.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be trying to your nerves." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a sparkled upon his finger. "Yes?" to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a think you a quite exceptional woman." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for woven round him. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the Sutherland?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled or other trace. But how on earth--" some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he himself to tell his story. have got?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An may have an influence upon European history." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Nearly eleven." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Watson," he said cordially. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "The murder was done with it." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in at once, for I have only half an hour." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and effective." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with once more. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the away into the river." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your tapping his fingers upon the table. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to affect your life." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." disappearance of these gems?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may pressing in one house as in another. uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when legal crime." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE his wife has ceased to love him." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we out." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I that there was nothing in it, after all." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "There is the writing." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Dr. Gregory B. Newby the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock suggested at once that there must be a communication between the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "It was." Holmes rather sternly. "That is easily got." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who strength." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Was the window open?" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he awkward doing business with an alias." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, woven round him. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger Holmes. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing stammered. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one remarked. "Always." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' gone. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a