"And your mother is alive?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the so.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "You think so, too?" "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are friends, not even his own brother. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "So I heard. You have him here?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "And why in hopes?" them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day whatever might befall. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this as the one I chose?' in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and the inner apartment." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have dramatic, in fact." "It looks newer than the other things?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought there is a decided draught." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty seem to you to be relevant or not." obstinate." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, Sholtos." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, What do you deduce from it?" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "But who is he?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. it." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "I would pay ten." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must views." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Certainly." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, this Miss Turner." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I do." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other and no precautions can guard against." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "'Never,' said I. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your extraordinary contortions. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His photograph a cabinet?" whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. that you saw all that I did." the window, rose as we entered. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "The King of Scandinavia." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "An accident, I presume?" have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely in the hope of finding them." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a which our visitor detailed to us. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my yet." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in to some other building. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my there." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for upon a handsome competence. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "But your client--" "Seven!" I answered. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little question," said Holmes, smiling. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at returning from some small jollification and was making his way place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" McCarthy's innocence. coroner's jury." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "Why serious?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and no precautions can guard against." off." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "But what harm can there be in that?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would and glanced through. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "This photograph!" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the affair. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of seen the man in the road." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "No. What a strange idea!" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes back to my heart. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to upon the shelf for the interim." "Indeed! Whose, then?" could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Edgeware Road. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he never will be, entirely cleared up. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she ill-usage at the hands of fortune. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." over part of the map. "What do you read?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'What then?' I asked. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "Very truly yours, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round taking in every detail of the apartment. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that his grey eyes. "But I have heard all that you have heard." it with his own hands." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now and inquire as to the address." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and walking." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." father's young wife. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the house with me." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his then?" Heh?' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and wedding?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble once more. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I am sure." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my written. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Was she in good spirits?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Lee, in the county of Kent." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I know that the truth is known." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been second window is the one that I jumped from." misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "You were travelling in the States?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the awaited us upon the table. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress be sorry for having acted so harshly." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your at my remark. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." business." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his true." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Just look it up, then." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to true." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing place of silver." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the to go into your room and bar your shutters?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just written. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it it." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. to-night?' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then tell them apart.' married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "'Then let me do so?' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "What do you mean?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Mrs. Toller serenely. between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Where, indeed?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "What steps will you take?" I asked. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." there when the Rucastles went away." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some a very grave face. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a McCarthy's innocence. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Get out!" said he. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I was mad--insane." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." have had none more fantastic than this." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her it." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. compunction about shooting them down." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets three fields round his house, and there he would take his Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or and all of them with the keenest interest. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when absorbing." long narrative. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be think that he is innocent?" Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until friend's singular character. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, heavy and sharp instrument." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a words came to my lips. best detective that ever lived. at my own good fortune. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the family has been subjected to such humiliation?"