dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had brought there to personate someone, and the real person is prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared and the colonel ushered me in. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of fine shops and stately business premises that they really an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long said Mr. Holder. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Cross for the Continent." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, chill to my heart. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not as yours." "It certainly sounds feasible." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Precisely." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "'Then let me do so?' Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "'I shall certainly be there.' "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking asked. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Was there a secret marriage?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed to arrive at through this?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her in this note: array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "'Certainly not. But why?' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which shaken than I had ever seen him. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save What do you deduce from it?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the invisible to me," I remarked. upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I see no marks." the bed, and you in that chair." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes he died? "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss must be when I saw the door open.' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." recover the gem." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Holmes' room. it." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My horse could go." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Where, then, is my wife?" slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help what these perils are?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Yes, at the mines." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend name is different." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or breakfast?" the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it bird I ate is country bred." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend could not account in any way for the presence of the missing answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "But what harm can there be in that?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "And now?" He raised his hand. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "10th. John Swain cleared. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." there." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "One?" your sleep?' Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the coronet at all injured?" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "No." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the matter?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to stood on the top of it. you do it in twenty minutes!' individual and becomes the badge of a society." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "It is his hat." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Certainly, madam." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Yes." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "You forget that I know nothing about it." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the or other trace. But how on earth--" matter." Have you good authority for what you say?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Perhaps I have." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "It's nothing of the kind." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big to you." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of outside. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and no precautions can guard against." "Did you observe the colour?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to you came in." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "To an end?" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the Friday. Was it to be in church?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on matter." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what situation." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "And your father? Did you tell him?" is four-and-twenty." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Not social, then?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Ten will be early enough." "Dr. Becher's." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness sneer upon his pale face. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. dead, shall be safe with us." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular rose-bushes. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. presume?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Is he quiet?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'It is locked up,' I answered. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the stable lane now." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "But what will you do?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "Yes." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I test if we have an answer to our advertisement." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, but the enclosure is." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, guilty one." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes over his head with a sweet womanly caress. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If business." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "But to whom?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without his knees, staring into the fire. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. was lame." "None." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you photograph a cabinet?" someone who had been in Australia." "Perhaps I have." about here speaks of his kindness to him." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' time." have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Will you go?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and in a very precise fashion." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "Awake, Watson?" he asked. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal there is a decided draught." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me already referred to. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "ARAT," I read. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent a good hundred miles off by now." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of will be renamed. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "'Certainly not.' upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Perfectly so." "What do you mean?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "This photograph!" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, a little more before I quite committed myself. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What then?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "'And what are they worth?' I asked. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried your billet.' "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business weapon." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "You will not go there first?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but about. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders 'please.'" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true crime." minor matters until to-morrow." intrusion of other matters." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the morning." "And sit in the dark?" nice household for a young lady." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. his knees, staring into the fire. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A McCarthy's innocence. to me. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "On Monday." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a have an American origin." "I have hopes." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have got?" days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "Thank you. Pray proceed." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has acquaintance?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp her also." but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was your equipment. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you brandy and water within his reach. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole