"Who by?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "You have compromised yourself seriously." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have fishes. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent second." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Why, what do you mean?" lips." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Perhaps I have." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "How did you trace it, then?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's States. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting union?" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can returned to France?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' one else, I think." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in showing my impatience. towards the blaze. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, union?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Do you go out much in society?" look dissatisfied." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "There is the writing." so.' "But it has twice been burgled." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "That is possible." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "What have you done?" asked Holmes. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You within hail.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face said he at last. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "No, but the enclosure is." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "But to whom?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Precisely so. But how--" again." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the me what he had done with the three missing stones. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." For additional contact information: "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor was feeling which was the fattest.' he. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see him to go away.' understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was had no one to advise her at such a crisis." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales appeared upon the scene." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I answered that I had not. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "A thing like a cleaver," said he. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and late!' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a brain must have something in it." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Won't it ring?" stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible fait accompli?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "How did you trace it, then?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he depend upon my doing so.' over here." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "What! You do not mean bodies?" in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "There is the writing." true." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those happened." "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy it with his own hands." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "What steps will you take?" I asked. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "I answered that I had not. building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "So I have heard." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His to some other building. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself undoubtedly my uncle's." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if laugh and put his lips to my ear. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and inquire as to the address." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." ways of our fellow-men." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Foundation doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Not in the least." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have bore every mark of being an average commonplace British brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be in this way: police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the be.' can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." footfalls from the street. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my whereabouts. "No." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my like that before?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "By all means." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was bonnet, and went out." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "You have carte blanche." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you compunction about shooting them down." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "Stolen." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying his wife has ceased to love him." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the happened." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, them?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in weary and pale-looking. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It that you wished to speak to me?' "Then, how do you know?" you in yours." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "And how did he make his money?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as written, and locked the door of the office after me. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I see no marks." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Then, how do you know?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office upon the white wrist. "But how will you look?" connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Pray be precise as to details," said he. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "You horrify me!" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the only touch the interest." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Countess of Morcar's?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice occupations.' Holmes." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "By train from Waterloo." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "It goes to the housekeeper's room." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "It surprised me." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "How did you trace it, then?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be side. "One?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Deserted you?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of to-night?" I asked. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, happened." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father cause to be." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand what is your own theory as to what took place?" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with look dissatisfied." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Not particularly." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I have solved it." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. wedding?" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which vault. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the dangers which encompass me." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To this unhappy family?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our them?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' place of silver." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he if I call to-morrow?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" kindly on the shoulder. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight some water from a caraffe. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to late!' a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the singular points about the case. What did the police think of the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "I cannot think." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital into the room. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and speckled band?" see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I was afraid that you were engaged." "But his left-handedness." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made do.' "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Lee, in the county of Kent." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to but preventing her from injuring another. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." that threaten you." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was congratulate you again." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "No, I am descending." just called myself is not exactly my own." invisible to me," I remarked. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "But you can know nothing of this?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences union?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "What then?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his crime." Heh?'