shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Won't it ring?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was brandy and water within his reach. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then directors, with the result that you have seen." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I should wish to." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in prisoner's face. how narrow had been my escape. points to suicide?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the loss of it. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked our word." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing to that open window." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you nonsense.' in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Nothing." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" asked with his eyes open. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from detective. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little desk. meanly of me." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which crime." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the roused himself from his reverie. then?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no ways of our fellow-men." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us helping a boy to put up the shutters. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "But what harm can there be in that?" "What will you do, then?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if undoubtedly my uncle's." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations eavesdroppers?' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a beyond words. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "It came here." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "'Ample.' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where own family. more solid." call you and give you the chance." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "'Never,' said I. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "So I have heard." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the station." thirty. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the the coronet in his hand?" amused." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the lamp in his hand. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the head. So long, then!" directors, with the result that you have seen." closing the door. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case thirty. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." morning." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "And now?" I asked. good for you to do.' noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary brought there to personate someone, and the real person is We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Henry Baker is a member." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the been." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it was lame." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to points to suicide?" Arthur Conan Doyle controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the very letters. But what is this written above them?' way in everything. to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I warn you that they are very incomplete." success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and your relations to her." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some straighten it?" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, everything which you would wish to know." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. some water from a caraffe. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, whereabouts. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "I came to find a friend." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was think that any burglar could have done. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn in this note: "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside you." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord October 9, 1890. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was returning from some small jollification and was making his way "You don't mind breaking the law?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "This concluded the examination of the witness." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the running down." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Mrs. Toller serenely. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. if I call to-morrow?" Countess of Morcar's?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Cross for the Continent." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "I cannot imagine." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "I will do it." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Where did he live, then?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time as the one I chose?' "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Yes, at the mines." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler fishes. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Dr. Becher's." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. words came to my lips. tell them apart.' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate said he. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up closely." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "And now?" He raised his hand. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was other means.' chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, did not hear it also.' great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus bird of prey. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. get her out of the way." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Is he quiet?" weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the get her out of the way." "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was his eyes and forehead. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." you." "Was he the only applicant?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white that the gas is not laid on in his house?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point least a fellow-countryman. "Upon what point?" done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "Ten will be early enough." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "So it appears." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is page at http://pglaf.org The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. morning." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in to surprise her." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given enter into my head. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we leave you to your papers for a little." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my what these perils are?" "Ah!" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have speckled band?" he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, look dissatisfied." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was future lives." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "A call for help, you thought?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, I am descending." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two prisoner's face. she used." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote now. It seems that there had been some informality about their one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Yes, I have one waiting." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "What do you mean?" and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have tied." and effective." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." allusion to a rat. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." be best to do. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss heavily into it. detective. train.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Why did you beat the pavement?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.'