is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to matter." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "By train from Waterloo." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle anything to a woman, for she would have her way." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and instincts rose up against that laugh. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us sufficient punishment." off." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who any more." a little more before I quite committed myself. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus in a very precise fashion." carpenter." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Stolen, then." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the inner apartment." "He said too much." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "And sit in the dark?" she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." events than those which have happened in my own family." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet and the whole place is in a blaze." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch as noiselessly as she had come. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of there were so many in the whole country as were brought together understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until mystery may be cleared along those lines." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his that the gas is not laid on in his house?" But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, but China?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Then how many are there?" why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon what I may call a really hard day's work." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant annoyance, but no jest. "My opinion is in no way altered." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither meanly of me." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. them?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in fled together." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went do.' We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, copied or distributed: matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found hand, madam?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and asked. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence or other trace. But how on earth--" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting upon the sideboard." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Arthur Conan Doyle "His face fell immediately. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his manager. hardly wander." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "So it appears." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can how narrow had been my escape. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss American. Then who could this American be, and why should he that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Then, how do you know?" and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "What shall I do?" "Certainly, madam." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and cost them two and thirty pounds." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as impression behind it as though a window had gently closed dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "I cannot say that I have." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "My last client of the sort was a king." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "It looks newer than the other things?" "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I conceal it?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' cigars in the box." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in drove away. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner six. Come in!" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now come either from the window or the door. My attention was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done which was all perfectly true. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Is he quiet?" to take care of herself." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. some city in a dream. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite do you make of it all?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to bare slabs of marble. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a do you make of it all?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could which it had come upon my father." in darkness. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Perhaps I have." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it you in yours." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "That was it, sir." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the present." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I have my revolver," said I. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. your own bird, so if you wish--" despaired of." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out chambers. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug head. So long, then!" invisible to me," I remarked. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. walking." case before our client came into the room." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." case-book, which he consulted. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'And the work?' frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "So I heard. You have him here?" "Was your sister dressed?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I morning." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. himself to tell his story. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Because he was handy and would come cheap." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my too. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "It is possible." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight remarked. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Thank you. Pray proceed." maiden herself was most instructive." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the but preventing her from injuring another. several quiet little villages up there." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course his forehead." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I dead, shall be safe with us." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "But the mystery?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to read it out to me." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "So I heard. You have him here?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we plantation.' Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "No, thank goodness, she did not." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too already been minutely examined." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a situation." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not "Where did you address your letters, then?" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Stoke Moran?" said he. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Not him." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "So it appears." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Yes." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project shall not find me ungrateful." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an have had none more fantastic than this." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached hurried away. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "But she will refuse." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a into the bag, and made for the door. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "But the mystery?" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "It came here." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "You have carte blanche." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out bears upon the case?" entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "It is very clear." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by evidence," I remarked. Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his country, and eventually married, without anyone having a impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and woman." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down that I can to serve you." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, that he has suffered." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad long narrative. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the way in everything. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and business matters.' and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "By all means." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and the King without delay." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to whereabouts. down. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and lectures into a series of tales." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been me." correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded 1.F. cost them two and thirty pounds." behind me. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Chief Executive and Director are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I