foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring later, upon the night of May 2nd." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew completely overtopped every other consideration that we both I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." astonishment. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, the address that was given us in the advertisement. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, your billet.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I words came to my lips. for the market.' was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Dark enough and sinister enough." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon distinguish the words: over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "I came to find a friend." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess know all about it," he snarled. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Why did you beat the pavement?" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey best detective that ever lived. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, and have this put in the evening papers." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "But how?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her article?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his round with crates and massive boxes. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son society." back to my heart. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences is four-and-twenty." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs keep the flames under. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "What, then, did Peterson do?" lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Then, how do you know?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Of what?" in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'What do you call purely nominal?' "But you can know nothing of this?" are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "It is very kind of you." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Look there!" said he. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my opened the door, and slipped through. of his shoulders. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "But who is he?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that DAMAGE. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I never have." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a McCarthy." in darkness. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had third from London." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported desk. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather there is a decided draught." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience do you make of it all?" roused himself from his reverie. "That is not always so easy." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary security.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Yes." feature." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad opened the door, and slipped through. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to he died? "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Is 4 pounds a week.' at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Really! You surprise me." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was secret." "Of what?" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being nonsense.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to followed. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it is now desirous of getting those letters back." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate you found me to-night--and running through the front room she into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my desk. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in followed. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me morning." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia his knees, staring into the fire. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched me upon any point which I do not make clear." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, III. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps here." union?" vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Yes." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "What then?" "I am in hopes that she does." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing were new raised from a basin. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "And it is--" "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and II. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing troubles have been weighing upon his mind. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my disturbance in my wife." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was delirious. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I soul! here is her carriage at the door." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a conceal it?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes been anything against him. He had for years been known as a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind 1.F. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this man. I know him from the photograph." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with in his hands." "And how have you succeeded?" have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he drove away. "What of the rat, then?" never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their "I promise," said Holmes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "And how did he make his money?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "Yes." half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large ventilator." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "A greater distance to travel." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the been able to understand it, in a very few words. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "My stepfather's business papers." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Leadenhall Street--and--" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I would give my fortune to have them back." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is happened." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's an introduction to him?" The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an standing smiling on the door-step. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I we went to search for him, face downward in a little there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save distinguish the words: "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the such attractions and accomplishments?' volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age Stoke Moran." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "He is still with you, I presume?" to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "My dear Holmes!" "Imitated." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged nice household for a young lady." envelope. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a Project Gutenberg-tm works. the running down." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark mysterious business." tension within him. "What is it, then--a fire?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and The events in question occurred in the early days of my "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and legal crime." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just morning." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as with you?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door breakfast?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime absorbing." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her matter." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have an American origin." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his children over to America with him, so that I found myself without as this. Pray let me have the details." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent status with the IRS. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not whereabouts. Foundation and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "How did you deduce the select?" in this way: "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then village inn over there?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I cannot think." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three public press." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you *** START: FULL LICENSE *** feature." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project it." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens was lame." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That father's place of business?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought burst out into a roar of laughter. ventilator." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of obstinate." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put fashion which was peculiar to him. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some entirely lost his self-respect." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The maid will bring up your coffee." "Well, some hundreds of times." depend upon your compliance." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon name is different." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." bonnet, and went out." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "Will you go?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in past. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. face and glided from the room. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of legal crime." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said