Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "He is still with you, I presume?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King 1.E.9. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "But what will you do?" were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "What is it?" informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Proceed, then." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, opportunities to fix the problem. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "I will, Miss Turner." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Eyford at 11:15.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began is acting for the best. the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all asked with his eyes open. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of one of them." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out it." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "No, but the enclosure is." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "'Where could I find him?' again before evening." seven miles from Eyford Station.' our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we him to be an active member of the medical profession." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he might have a private word with us. "And why?" framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Here?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding your sleep?' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" threw himself down with his face to the pillow. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Yes, but only for you and me." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Seven!" I answered. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Whose house is it?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, may have an influence upon European history." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with presume?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "One of his hands." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you three fields round his house, and there he would take his fire. You quite follow me?" again before evening." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the loss of it. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "He slept on the premises." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most to arrive at through this?" union?" been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "I don't say that. Perhaps." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" derbies." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, said I. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My round and wave him away like that.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, crowd. "VIOLET HUNTER." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope gigantic client. national property. I was determined that the law should have its of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "When did it break out?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of distinguish the words: manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be very morning of my second wedding." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "My own seal." Chief Executive and Director is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day constraint." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I bonnet, and went out." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 Munro.' 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "The best possible." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he address. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Dirty?" horse could go." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help redistribution. however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a acted in my house last night?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but back into the street. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Did your wife hear all this?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'Quite sure, dad.' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and have this put in the evening papers." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** outside." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step this remarkable episode. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her of the vacancies.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Which surely he restored to their owner?" telegram would bring me down to your help." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other to some other building. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive an introduction to him?" nice household for a young lady." paper in the air. branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was persecution?" "I think it very unlikely." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an question. "It is to him that this trophy belongs." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "'What then?' I asked. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and wait." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much tied." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, retorted upon me, and I on you." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining compunction about shooting them down." possible that we could bring him back to her? The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" papers." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. you." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated that he has suffered." other, as fresh and trim as possible. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that plantation.' say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "'Then let me do so?' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "I would give my fortune to have them back." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for past. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story returned to France?" "'Ample.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime ventilator." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who seen the man in the road." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "In what way?" asked Holmes. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "The gentleman I describe." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, married her." "I have my revolver," said I. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." My friend smiled. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe done what I asked you, Jones?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple troubles have been weighing upon his mind. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there ceremony." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." interest. They are important, you understand, without being outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at if only as a check to my own memory." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Did your wife hear all this?" to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "What is it?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and wait." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "That is possible." Holmes. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign forebodings. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the go back?" see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his had died away into the silence from which it rose. hour?' Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting question," said Holmes, smiling. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people mysterious business." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing I held the little printed slip to the light. might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and shoulder. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "It was an hour's good drive." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Why, it's a dummy," said he. License. You must require such a user to return or shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "But she will refuse." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, yourselves in at night?" of a light. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the said I. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. outside. the general public were present, then?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "It must be recovered." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the situation." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round again before evening."