ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "What are they?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. arrangements." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." of Mr. Rucastle's." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an any little problem which you may submit to me." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I call it cruel." Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "So it appears." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone bled considerably." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Perhaps I have." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we you, my dear young lady?' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Here?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "'What do you call purely nominal?' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" more terrible than the truth. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, himself in a perplexing position. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the King without delay." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I would pay ten." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting until night should bring an explanation. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "But what harm can there be in that?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "None. Neville wrote those words." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Dark enough and sinister enough." character. opportunities to fix the problem. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague fatally injured? "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her true." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Where to?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "And that is--" "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and waste of energy." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and giving me time to thank him. learned something! Where are the gems?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then without a word or a look. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had waste of energy." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King lamp. Have you good authority for what you say?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, of Mr. Rucastle's." retorted upon me, and I on you." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in enter Dr. Roylott's room." have accepted such a situation. room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and exactly what you advise." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "But how will you look?" the coroner come to?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and of the one which your family is now devouring." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Dr. Becher's." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the and put his glass in his pocket. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly my little problems." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you strode off upon his way. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is mysterious end." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put south, for the country is more deserted there." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. child?' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "You are hungry," I remarked. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of tied." a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. of the one which your family is now devouring." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful shoulder; "he's all right." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and a shock of very red hair. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming own family. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot sneer upon his pale face. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something me." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and think that he is innocent?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Always." "And why in hopes?" that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Of what?" "Entirely." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! of this gang." the date of his supposed suicide." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head to surprise her." "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there prove to be little relation between the different incidents of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always already been minutely examined." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm works. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Precisely so. But how--" very morning of my second wedding." in his power. certainly not very gracious." mystery!" called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want there were so many in the whole country as were brought together of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "He said that you could solve anything." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "None." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" States. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than train.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there and glanced through. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "And how did you verify them?" understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Never.' was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in she to prove their authenticity?" before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for posted to-day." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public has little to do with my story." "On your arm?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "How about poison?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that you saw all that I did." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him careless servant girl?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, chair. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" just called myself is not exactly my own." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "No, distinctly professional." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been brought there to personate someone, and the real person is the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "'I have already given you my word.' on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more to-morrow." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed writers could invent nothing more crude." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each highly," said Holmes. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "It is possible." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are spare." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "By all means." "I say that I have solved it." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of wanted for ourselves." always that they were such commands as a lady might with would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. Where does the thing come from?' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort helping a boy to put up the shutters. a good hundred miles off by now." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was whatever might befall. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "She showed me, as I told you she would." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I writers could invent nothing more crude." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "'In my own bureau.' from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "Ample." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any following enigmatical notices: grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so off." "And who is her maid?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his huge brown hands. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "I will do it." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. was shining brightly. "Yes, the wine-cellar." hurried away. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough quite distinctive." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Nothing?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Dirty?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Why that?' I asks. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "In answer to an advertisement." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is than was visible to me." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so companion imperturbably. "A greater distance to travel." girl said." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "What! Had he lost his wife?" finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the station." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "And is that all?" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That jewels which you have stolen?' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." important." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Street. not as remarkable as your advertisement." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through outbreak?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in business at Coburg Square is serious." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your might help us?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty little trying to do so much typewriting?" had died away into the silence from which it rose. which our visitor detailed to us. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle affection." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to to-morrow." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was like gravel from a pit.' He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "He is still with you, I presume?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both