reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "What! a murderous attack?" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "BALLARAT." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Yes?" "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "I should like to see him very much." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "And Irene Adler?" always that they were such commands as a lady might with collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the round with crates and massive boxes. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "You have it, sir, just as it happened." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry but preventing her from injuring another. present." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any quite distinctive." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own hour." behind me. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to charge against him will break down." "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is certainly not very gracious." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Foundation Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Yes, it was twisted." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real late!' A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Entirely." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! sound at heart." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "You have a clue?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," chill to my heart. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Your French gold?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward soul! here is her carriage at the door." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the behind me. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included individual and becomes the badge of a society." a very grave face. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of passage and a tap at the door. His smile broadened. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the derbies." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "In the cells." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger that, and I came down." typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular character. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Then how many are there?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable This is what he says: absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put into the room. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Just look it up, then." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'I am sure that I do not know.' she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Precisely so. But how--" particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety might help us?" "'And the work?' not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the very old mansion. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying said I. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "No." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "'Entirely.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated chill to my heart. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." galvanised. would apply.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Oh, yes, easily." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature the best of training." one of the states of the Union." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Will you bet, then?" Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Proceed, then." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a before the coroner and the police-court." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Ha! you find it so?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Nor running a chance of arrest?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. careless servant girl?" in my life." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "None." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is points to suicide?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a front of the hall door has given its name to the place. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my certainly not very gracious." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, of the one which your family is now devouring." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Well." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was humiliation." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and I think that I could be of assistance to you." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. leave you to your papers for a little." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." business in the City. She little knew what. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "And what then?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Nearly eleven." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room conclusions. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup works. the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. train.' do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the awaited us upon the table. "In which, sir?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." a suggestive one." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just villagers almost as much as their master. "Of Friday, June 19th." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "That is not always so easy." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, conduct the inquiry." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small furiously. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" towards the blaze. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection kindly on the shoulder. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of coat-tails." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' which our visitor detailed to us. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "The landlord of the Alpha." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project society." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "But she will refuse." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much which we had just quitted. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I have my revolver," said I. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And the cigar-holder?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. of the way of danger. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and said I. first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You don't mind breaking the law?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his that I may have something better before very many minutes are will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the to that open window." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Absolutely none." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it all-comprehensive glances. stepfather?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Pray do so." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass correct than the official force." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you charged with?" "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an evidence," I remarked. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I will get her to show me." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, persecution?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his the stable lane now." "Perhaps I have." "'Certainly not. But why?' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt existence." shoulder. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it standing smiling on the door-step. "No." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran there when the Rucastles went away." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would one of the states of the Union." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened hand, madam?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back was it brought him the coronet? flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "And how in the world did you find them?" this as likely?" he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in papers on the sundial.'" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." a very grave face. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." are, and they are waiting for us." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very someone who had been in Australia." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an acted in my house last night?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "You are hungry," I remarked. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Murdered?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is never will be, entirely cleared up. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, his face. it with his own hands." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he that I am arrested." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon least a fellow-countryman. "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of said he. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "But you have hopes?" "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he with the outside air!" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes." "I have come for advice." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too again, where I was soon asleep. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood with the outside air!" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Imitated." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "What of the rat, then?" the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "But of what society?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have tassel actually lying upon the pillow. that threaten you." "'Where to?' broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but wedding?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "Well, some hundreds of times." "His face fell immediately. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some stood on the top of it. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not weapon." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You horrify me." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled