American. Then who could this American be, and why should he a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "That is possible." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven characteristics, but those are the more obvious." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Nor running a chance of arrest?" remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "No." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and absorbing." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." purpose of examination. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "What have you to say now?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the coroner come to?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very know that the truth is known." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming at my remark. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will manager. reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one were new raised from a basin. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Can I be of assistance?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round constraint." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Who was the criminal, then?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "I fear not." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my residence of the great financier. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my The summons was a brief and urgent one. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." acted in my house last night?" "No, I am descending." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some into the bag, and made for the door. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Not I." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "No, thank goodness, she did not." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this round with crates and massive boxes. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I be there in time for your coming." of his shoulders. 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" point our research must commence, and we will begin it by whereabouts. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Not yet." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of." beyond words. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to take care of herself." crowd. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I have my revolver," said I. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was married her." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Not particularly." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently weigh very heavily upon my conscience." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Who was the criminal, then?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I know where it is." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into be there in time for your coming." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger one of the states of the Union." our word." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "'Never,' said I. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "That is it on the dressing-table." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at The events in question occurred in the early days of my wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And help." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the coronet in his hands?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been have had none more fantastic than this." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'In my own bureau.' in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect orange pips. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Has he come with you to-night?" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy But Holmes shook his head gravely. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing again, where I was soon asleep. "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "She showed me, as I told you she would." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "VIOLET HUNTER." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'Very good.' "I am about to be married." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to corner of the building. "What shall I do?" next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. closing the door. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Come in!" said he. "In heaven's name, what for?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Where to?" exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the astonishment. "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New your only hope of safety." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I mystery may be cleared along those lines." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long of your young ladies.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. tear off another piece?' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "But he might be a bachelor." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Her father is very rich?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and despair." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "It is possible." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in must compliment you." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I October 9, 1890. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this stepfather?" "Yes, sir." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "May I see it?" hereditary King of Bohemia." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through careless servant girl?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I don't say that. Perhaps." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary tension within him. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that and glanced through. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. with frightened eyes at his accuser. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "And your mother is alive?" soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of derbies." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." her also." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by once more on the important position which you have been fortunate incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the call it cruel." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "My last client of the sort was a king." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily room?" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Where, then, is my wife?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall your sleep?' "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to take care of herself." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Will you go?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself occupations.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how fait accompli?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Yesterday." "And your father? Did you tell him?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the salesman. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked from the brougham. to his chemical studies. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "And sit in the dark?" protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon away in different directions, and I went off to make my own that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon the house with me." "Thank you. Pray proceed." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "That is unusual in a young girl." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his new acquaintance to Baker Street. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice ourselves in the office." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of friend's singular character. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "I have solved it." desk. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "'There is a drive, then?' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight could gather together that I was able to avert another public have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, main points of my analysis." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "'Quite sure, dad.' "Bought." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. neither fascinating nor artistic." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "But she could not love him." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "It must be recovered." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling British peeress.'" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was distinguish the words: "Precisely." "Was the window open?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," at my own good fortune. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over morning." "'Where to?' a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered writer." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you forecastle of an emigrant ship. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. be best to do. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge gone. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with way: stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal unprecedented a position." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations his wife has ceased to love him." unprofitable." "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "My dear Holmes!" for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a them?" us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton very morning of my second wedding." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of