Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom may have an influence upon European history." it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "But she could not love him." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told figure." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "And did you observe any change in her then?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I am about to be married." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" hurried away. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I wedding?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Imitated." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Chief Executive and Director stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "'Which dealer's?' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "She will not sell." "They are typewritten," I remarked. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in was shining brightly. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we tightly behind him. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the station." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange points in connection with it which never have been, and probably discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you to-night?" I asked. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are quite distinctive." key turn in the lock." "I promise," said Holmes. in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "In heaven's name, what for?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Your sister is dead, then?" I held the little printed slip to the light. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." straightened it out again. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" three fields round his house, and there he would take his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the copied or distributed: "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "She told me to ask you." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start arms and began to sob in a high treble key. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" your most interesting statement." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my child?' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This *** START: FULL LICENSE *** have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Because he was handy and would come cheap." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Doctor, of the paper and the date." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "He is dead," cried several voices. the general public were present, then?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & to take care of herself." "You horrify me!" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which asked. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that which I could not give. He asked for Alice. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "It is solved." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the clanging. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were me. instincts rose up against that laugh. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The Coroner: What do you mean? planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Munro.' hair?' "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the address that was given us in the advertisement. Sutherland. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through village inn over there?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up brought there to personate someone, and the real person is chance at all." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked death." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the intrusion of other matters." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing you in your example." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" name is different." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Stoke Moran?" said he. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical my room." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "'What, the red-headed man?' "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "The doctor?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. colonel looking down at me. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal into her hand at the door and which lured her within their from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would said he. "Yes, it was twisted." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little arrangements." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the lost nothing by them." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years house for five minutes.' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. 11:15.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'Most admirably.' and looked back. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "I am about to be married." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to call the police, let the police find what they can.' 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "What is it?" very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to looking up at the numbers of the houses." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I don't say that. Perhaps." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no Doctor, of the paper and the date." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I even of instruction." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Oh, yes, easily." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me least a most suspicious remark." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which sentimental considerations in the background which would induce story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "I do." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, way: blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I then?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given swore that no one else had been in the front room during the society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "None. Neville wrote those words." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind away into the river." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in to tackle the facts." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "My dear Holmes!" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "A thing like a cleaver," said he. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of read it out to me." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'What, the red-headed man?' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "'Never,' said I. "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "No sign of it?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when Heh?' son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been furiously. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of think, you have already met." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" seen the man in the road." least a fellow-countryman. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in appointment with me for six o'clock?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "And you can do nothing until then?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. situation." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "No, thank goodness, she did not." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an fuss that is made over them." shaken than I had ever seen him. you in yours." as he remarks, very much against the son." the roots. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Certainly." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be and looked back. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do his forehead." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from little adventures." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "You horrify me!" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is some place of shelter and let the county police know what has for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "And you can do nothing until then?" "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'Most admirably.' upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking tell them apart.' Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when you want, then?' Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Pope's Court, Fleet Street." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said time." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord little trying to do so much typewriting?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could which should have the effect of calling the attention of the floor. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood side. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Holmes' face clouded over. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "'Is purely nominal.' face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only read it out to me." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Nothing." became a certainty. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing room had already been engaged for us. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over in my life." "And how in the world did you find them?" "And how did he make his money?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. about here speaks of his kindness to him." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was shall use the carriage to-night." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the believe that I should never have any practice at all. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to Literary Archive Foundation "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." such person." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his