greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one all?" gone before you can get him to hospital." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "I am still in the dark." "What of the rat, then?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "One of the highest in England." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You have but to name it." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the sneer upon his pale face. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and fishes. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Clair, of Lee." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, have I gained?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. beyond words. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "You have the photograph?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "What! You do not mean bodies?" "What I expected to see." the inner apartment." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "The landlord of the Alpha." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "When did it break out?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Ten will be early enough." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "It is very clear." answer." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that of campaign. directors, with the result that you have seen." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "What! You do not mean bodies?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I works. See paragraph 1.E below. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his placed his cuttings. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray disturbance in my wife." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Sutherland?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey help us in this matter." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's trying to your nerves." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor him to be an active member of the medical profession." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my horse could go." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem unkempt, staring out at me. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "An accident, I presume?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him you in yours." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for take the flies, but not before." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "And from a noble client?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable we went to search for him, face downward in a little particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Stolen." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "On your arm?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "My private note-paper." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the have not had my rubber." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. are windows in it, of course?" Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "There are none." "It is possible." "No, thank goodness, she did not." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in in a friendly supper." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is affair. it means?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "He said that you could solve anything." "It is a murder, then?" clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in him." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith me, and I could not think that his explanation of the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Why, it's a dummy," said he. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I me. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. public press." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Was your sister dressed?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief confronted him. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the to talk it over. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do tension within him. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, orange pips. "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a such person." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "You think so, too?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "Murdered?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "But how?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's entirely devoid of interest." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." more terrible than the truth. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "I have come for advice." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may searched, without anything being found which could incriminate the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular even of instruction." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Thank you. Pray proceed." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' nonsense.' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers ways including including checks, online payments and credit card pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten what these perils are?" against a man in the prime of life?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found fuss that is made over them." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "9th. McCauley cleared. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I o'clock is it?" remarked. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but think that any burglar could have done. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face room?" There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for business in the City. She little knew what. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never instincts rose up against that laugh. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "But how did you gain them?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very house for five minutes.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "What office?" observed. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "May I see it?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her get her out of the way." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the side-table." "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Very murderous indeed." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'Why that?' I asks. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. was shining brightly. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in minor matters until to-morrow." beg that you will break it off." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug bonnet, and went out." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. redistribution. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "'Certainly not. But why?' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "By train from Waterloo." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm to miss it." "Yes, sir." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "They are typewritten," I remarked. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and address. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of overpowering excitement and concern. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Farm upon the left." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." highly," said Holmes. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the him!" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "We have tried and failed." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have money should be paid at once.' "'Tell me all about it,' said I. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" The summons was a brief and urgent one. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Well?" companion quietly. his eyes and forehead. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in back alive. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "You will not go there first?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at as noiselessly as she had come. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" joking. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "What?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Yes, all." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed this Miss Turner." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of companion. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the events than those which have happened in my own family." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and when you have done it." gives a meaning to it." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "I should be immensely obliged to you." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was go from here to the Strand." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the inquest, and which are worth considering." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the in. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley certainly not very gracious." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "In what way?" asked Holmes. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and hard-headed British jury."