"Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I instituted." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by characteristics, but those are the more obvious." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily The note was undated, and without either signature or address. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "He said too much." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came carried out of court." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Oh, yes, easily." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I was mad--insane." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Of Friday, June 19th." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the inquest, and which are worth considering." "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "So I heard. You have him here?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'Is 4 pounds a week.' of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in people in all walks of life. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in hour." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case But Holmes shook his head gravely. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel the best of training." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some even of instruction." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or occupations.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "I should wish to." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Pray do so." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Yes, he did." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue fled together." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "She will not sell." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us him to be an active member of the medical profession." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a hereditary King of Bohemia." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, there in twenty minutes." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "And what did you learn from him?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "What, then, did Peterson do?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Oh, yes, easily." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an interested in these little problems, and since you are good reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Has he come with you to-night?" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which vault. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made six. Come in!" have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "What are they?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "No, I am descending." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I don't say that. Perhaps." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "I was sure that I might rely on you." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it washing it down with a long draught of water. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Not him." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "9th. McCauley cleared. deduce something from that?" call you and give you the chance." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "What?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the figure." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. that he will be back before evening." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the coronet in his hand?" graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." observed. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to your sleep?' "None." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank forehead. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or leave you to your papers for a little." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of receipt of the work. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a future lives." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "From his hat?" upon the white wrist. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now gone. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an heavy and sharp instrument." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "No good news?" "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And your mother is alive?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by was feeling which was the fattest.' Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea most interesting one." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "This photograph!" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'Entirely.' The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug crackling voice. may never be exposed to such a temptation." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the But Holmes shook his head gravely. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one less than 26s. 4d. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near kind enough to tell me what I should do." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had you give your casting vote to?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the Red-headed League." adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Get out!" said he. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. be there in time for your coming." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Why did you beat the pavement?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "But I have heard all that you have heard." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Tired-looking or fresh?" woman." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the date of his supposed suicide." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he and looked back. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but at a side door. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. coat-tails." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the best of training." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Was he the only applicant?" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it past. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you cup of tea. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It is a murder, then?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He said he. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Never to return." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about constraint." "If I can be of use." you." indeed happy." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, again on its way. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, as the one I chose?' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows observed. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered his forehead." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of and looked back. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when photograph?" this as likely?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "'Yes, sir.' "The murder was done with it." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Bought." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "And the murderer?" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. felt the room to be a little close.' her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start other lovers by making love himself." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking voice, changing her seat as requested. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and pressing in one house as in another. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so late!' bell. Holmes whistled. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to had picked up in the wood. read over the extraordinary announcement. police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Eyford at 11:15.' "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a status with the IRS. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "He said that you could solve anything." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But memory. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "My private note-paper." might help us?" "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "Perhaps I have." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; read over the extraordinary announcement. six. Come in!" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" hereditary King of Bohemia." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in never to learn it at all." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "It was an hour's good drive." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "She showed me, as I told you she would." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "My Mary? Impossible!" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a thirty. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view guilty one." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo his knees, staring into the fire. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone delighted to hear it," he said. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, few hundred pounds.' weapon." companion quietly. excitement. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a trifles." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "By no means." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Entirely." "But you have hopes?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." himself. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock off." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "No, distinctly professional." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Certainly." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a business at Coburg Square is serious." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?'