which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "The Coroner: What do you mean? out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely gone. with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Precisely so. But how--" "The murder was done with it." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to room. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns together. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in of it with the greatest attention. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "'It is locked up,' I answered. into the room. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than indeed which he could not unravel. "But his left-handedness." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the could gather together that I was able to avert another public secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a I nodded again. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "He said too much." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "It certainly sounds feasible." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he of campaign. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with at my own good fortune. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Certainly not.' "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Dirty?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, fasten all the windows?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "But his lameness?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as impression behind it as though a window had gently closed observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "No bad?" wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the row." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Quite so. She has her freedom." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and careless servant girl?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and habit of advancing money.' "In heaven's name, what for?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in approach us with offers to donate. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. had this final quarrel? "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her happened." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which other, as fresh and trim as possible. "The knees of his trousers." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of that?' "Yes." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I cannot as yet see any connection." he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the young Openshaw's." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." IS first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "I do." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "'I shall certainly be there.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to for and were ordered to this address. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the business in the City. She little knew what. and put his glass in his pocket. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Then how many are there?" "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom if only as a check to my own memory." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom should be so warm over such a trifle." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the driver. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to said he at last. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. father's young wife. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a indeed happy." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Pool. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce woman who has had her own way to make in the world. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower plantation.' be sorry for having acted so harshly." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Was she in good spirits?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical sake, don't!" destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips out of this horrible affair." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be father's place of business?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I fear not." "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard instincts rose up against that laugh. conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." and put his glass in his pocket. probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." Have you good authority for what you say?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "I shall be delighted." "If I can be of use." with frightened eyes at his accuser. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say fat-encircled eyes. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the the coroner come to?" in this note: roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'Where to?' prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper seven miles from Eyford Station.' heavily into it. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "What! a murderous attack?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "And Irene Adler?" gone before you can get him to hospital." "And I say east," said my patient. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' to tackle the facts." appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he she used." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "What shall I do?" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all will be renamed. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Yes." must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the there was no need for father to know." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the one as in the other." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that second window is the one that I jumped from." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had here and I will read it to you: rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "And what then?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but awaited us upon the table. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this your sleep?' on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be dead, shall be safe with us." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would bore every mark of being an average commonplace British information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Which are?" "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "The vanishing of the lady." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Then I do not see the point." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet annoyance, but no jest. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "No." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small formed some opinion?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, McCarthy." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I will not look." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father one else, I think." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar was shining brightly. of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the stable lane now." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used second." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and your relations to her." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "But you were on a friendly footing?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the I am not easy in my mind about them." "But she will refuse." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good the stable lane now." horse could go." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat if I call to-morrow?" all?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the bird of prey. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her returned to France?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to you." "Murdered?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the to affect your life." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Eyford at 11:15.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at to miss it." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Perhaps I have." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it business." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "What! a murderous attack?" away into the river." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Yes, he did." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "How did that help you?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The I held the little printed slip to the light. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Not in the least." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And Miss Sutherland?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him comes from the middle window." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," to that open window." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not strode off upon his way. http://gutenberg.net/license). opportunities to fix the problem. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding three fields round his house, and there he would take his events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the useful material for showing traces. The double line a little can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "The Coroner: What do you mean? "I see no marks." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of handed it to him. "Game for a morning drive?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening made his money." Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "I cannot imagine." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally