at home. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Then he might have called to you?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the long narrative. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "And it is--" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. quick march!" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "Get out!" said he. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "No." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical there was no need for father to know." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with joking. coroner's jury." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "Did he not advertise?" "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the criminal. We have already had experience of such." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to wall." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Yes, that is the Crown." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are records." Lee, in the county of Kent." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Yes." "But his lameness?" including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists the room while you explain this matter?" has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "And what then?" return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Only as much as we can deduce." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I could go. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was take the flies, but not before." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over call you and give you the chance." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "You have it, sir, just as it happened." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing new acquaintance to Baker Street. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the coroner come to?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to gbnewby@pglaf.org that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Holmes' thin, eager face. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may some water from a caraffe. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Stoke Moran?" said he. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than John Swain, of St. Augustine. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' which are rolled in Rotterdam." I leave." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "I never have." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." husband's writing, madam." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "But how did you gain them?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but it." was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Certainly, madam." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I happened." "What do you make of that, Watson?" populous neighbourhood." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Very murderous indeed." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Where does the thing come from?' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend a few minutes he said that it would be all right. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "'I shall certainly be there.' of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning stalked out of the room. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the ashen face. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. at once, for I have only half an hour." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' national property. I was determined that the law should have its not use it unless it is absolutely needed." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' least a fellow-countryman. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "It is solved." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the you in yours." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "My private note-paper." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed in one or two places in England?' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. against a man in the prime of life?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is stammered. him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of the one as in the other." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to change my dress. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." most interesting one." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own bill, which interests me deeply." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I came to find a friend." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must I think that I could be of assistance to you." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "But of what society?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'Yes, I promise.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes off." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and whereabouts. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." breakfast?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Of Friday, June 19th." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining business matters.' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and tapping his fingers upon the table. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Eh? What was that?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of was feeling which was the fattest.' who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'In my own bureau.' lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up salesman. criminal. We have already had experience of such." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "My own seal." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's me. You must get home instantly and act." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in again before evening." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I pity, because in other respects you would really have done very 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and charge against him will break down." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "You think so, too?" sneer upon his pale face. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "I fear not." ventilator." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no direction." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "And you can do nothing until then?" some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on which was all perfectly true. the date of his supposed suicide." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Ah!" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "What office?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I might help us?" with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the date of his supposed suicide." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Was he the only applicant?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I will do it." signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' meanly of me." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "No, I had a dozen." "It must be recovered." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Where does the thing come from?' instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "What! a murderous attack?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, tell them apart.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing long narrative. front of me. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Count Von Kramm." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in without a word or a look. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that upon the white wrist. again." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted in a very precise fashion." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own mysterious business." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it his wife has ceased to love him." business." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "You think so, too?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen matter." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. he bowed and left the room without another word. "Entirely." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the During two years I have had three consultations and one small road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and in the hope of finding them." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual all-comprehensive glances. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that comes from the middle window." Street. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of acquaintance?" found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an one else, I think." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly This is what he says: "Certainly, madam." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Holmes." begun to whiten, even as mine has." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the of his shoulders. Clair, of Lee." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had memory. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from presented more singular features than that which was associated still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "I never have." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the despair." was a lad." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be nights." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in promised to bring home. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, if she died from some sudden fright." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time