woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she evidence," I remarked. "'In my own bureau.' characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the very morning of the wedding." never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a details." "Where, then?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "None. Neville wrote those words." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that way in everything. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular that you can jump it.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. thought that she would have been so carried away." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who and I shall be with you presently." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the so far?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "And that is--" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he he bowed and left the room without another word. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by him and tried to hold him back. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" foot. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will hair?' rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "But how?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came fishes. indeed which he could not unravel. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a it." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the DISSOLVED. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to noting anything else of interest. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather of his shoulders. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "He said that you could solve anything." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial awaited us upon the table. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his leave you to your papers for a little." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of in the port of London." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "But your client--" "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away through." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a of." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to business at Coburg Square is serious." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "And the murderer?" the station." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down grasp, he hurried from the room. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for manager. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "'Never,' said I. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want there is a decided draught." your troubles." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other a little more before I quite committed myself. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past formed some opinion?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took overpowering excitement and concern. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. despaired of." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for whereabouts. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Yes." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I answered that I had not. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "And how did you find out?" was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good quick march!" the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. forehead. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a future lives." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to you in your example." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since think, you have already met." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever tell me that you intended to go into harness." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon this poor creature." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it were putty." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the bottom.' burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you passage and a tap at the door. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if thin, with a long, sharp nose?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my back into the street. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "How did you trace it, then?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "She told me to ask you." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature burst into a hearty fit of laughter. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind suspect him." careless servant girl?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during as he folded up the epistle. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said together. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very recall any case within my experience which looked at the first remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "A greater distance to travel." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been extraordinary contortions. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. heavily into it. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me during the last few years, and there are many noble families to evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "And when will you call?" wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "The knees of his trousers." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were bird of prey. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. envelope. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a article?" She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really other means.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Stolen, then." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. said Mr. Holder. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were lectures into a series of tales." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "That is easily got." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian depend upon your compliance." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "To the police?" there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Now, then, what's the last entry?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common light and attacked it." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I was afraid that you were engaged." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "It was." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "What I expected to see." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. hour?' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you charged with?" quite distinctive." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's morning." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "'Why that?' I asks. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "What have you to say now?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began drawing your inferences." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Not social, then?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Eyford." inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Then he might have called to you?" "Where, then, is my wife?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my goes." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in you." "It is possible." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful guilty one." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the child." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "Upon what point?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress been with you?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "We were both in the photograph." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "Why, what do you mean?" 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay people don't know." go from here to the Strand." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Ha! you find it so?" pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of not, dad?" she asked. "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that Heh?' several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "And is that all?" exactly what you advise." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we redistribution. suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "What shall I do?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, electronic works remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "You forget that I know nothing about it." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, despair." yourselves in at night?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "No, I had a dozen." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely that I am arrested." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Yes, he did." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "I will, Miss Turner." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, His name is Francis Prosper." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Did you observe the colour?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Nothing." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "She told me to ask you." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" and looked back. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back,