she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "Pray do so." and all of them with the keenest interest. "Absolutely none." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Absolutely none." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a of Fenchurch Street." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "To an English lawyer named Norton." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the is so. I know all about McCarthy." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the presented more singular features than that which was associated Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. you." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Pray do so." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "And how have you succeeded?" "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" sound at heart." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us fluttered off among the others. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the bed, and you in that chair." "It surprised me." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the inquest, and which are worth considering." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their you?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at James Windibank. Voilà tout!" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me go back?" recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty in one or two places in England?' "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, before, for it was considerably after midnight. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible me." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "9th. McCauley cleared. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Is he quiet?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the never came back." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same tapping his fingers upon the table. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and London for the present?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was retorted upon me, and I on you." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it thin, with a long, sharp nose?" a little more before I quite committed myself. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I for its centre. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. six. Come in!" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual the salesman. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "No, I think that I'll take it." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "And how did you verify them?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "'Never.' from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of his shoulders. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the out." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of felt?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet until night should bring an explanation. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil companion quietly. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "He said too much." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "But who is he?" which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having rose-bushes. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon The note was undated, and without either signature or address. without a word or a look. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There in a friendly supper." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I shall continue with my miserable story. again, where I was soon asleep. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "What! a murderous attack?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "What, then?" it right.' remarked. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp bell. Holmes whistled. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "One of the highest in England." "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "I have seen the police." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." bedroom door." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who written. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ what I may call a really hard day's work." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that several quiet little villages up there." this poor creature." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as and the colonel ushered me in. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it better grown goose." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And it is--" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just Surrey." Clair, of Lee." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the date of his supposed suicide." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was his fortune, and I went back to pa. becomes even more simple." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect stood on the top of it. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, some terrible trap for her." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country was a perfect sample of the class. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The friends, not even his own brother. Gutenberg-tm License. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and over part of the map. "What do you read?" closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "I am still in the dark." row." open." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'Yes, sir.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and persecution?" several quiet little villages up there." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the and wait." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Where to?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an must be when I saw the door open.' "'There is a drive, then?' do.' "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, pressing in one house as in another. Sutherland. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I so.' stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "It is half-past ten now." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My to-night?' impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge murdered man." "Yes." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in guilty parties." highroad, where all traces were lost. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said matter." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "'Never,' said I. nonsense.' business." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the felt the room to be a little close.' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "No, I think that I'll take it." ready to-morrow?' "Will you bet, then?" made him keep the appointment." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the round and wave him away like that.' the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to I took the paper from him and read as follows: should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. ways of our fellow-men." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "But how?" look dissatisfied." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw case-book, which he consulted. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Was she in good spirits?" remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side such attractions and accomplishments?' such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "We have tried and failed." "Not in the least." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of a light. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." province." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Bought." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per confronted him. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists handed it to him. murdered man." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have coat-tails." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, became a certainty. observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." passage and a tap at the door. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." feature." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "What of the rat, then?" conceal it?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The said he, "my real name is James Ryder." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was direction." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Yes." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. man. I know him from the photograph." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to breakfast?" ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a chair. "Precisely." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high get her out of the way." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. whether it answered to the description of any of their fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of test if we have an answer to our advertisement." it with his own hands." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, your troubles." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed points to suicide?" pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "You don't mind breaking the law?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." I leave." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "What steps will you take?" I asked. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, have established a very serious case against the son of the been." murdered man." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his fattened it expressly for you.' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his whereabouts. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "How did he come?" "It missed him, then?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again in darkness. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go observed. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "No?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Always." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "You saw the ventilator, too?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "And what did you see?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless you give your casting vote to?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had lumber-room." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not your sleep?' liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to