and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "This concluded the examination of the witness." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very him nearly every evening." mysterious business." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "No, my brougham is waiting." "Nothing." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'Most admirably.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "What shall I do?" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Nothing?" and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "But his lameness?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her retorted upon me, and I on you." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Yesterday." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "How did you trace it, then?" 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "'Quite sure, dad.' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by touch that coronet?' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "At what time?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or you." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. a monotonous occupation." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes." last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, chair. to-night?" I asked. business." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a The events in question occurred in the early days of my but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it searched, without anything being found which could incriminate one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. congenial hunt. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there least a fellow-countryman. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in characteristics, but those are the more obvious." all-comprehensive glances. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "And your father? Did you tell him?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "And how did he make his money?" just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I derbies." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. business." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I unkempt, staring out at me. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "And how have you succeeded?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and put his glass in his pocket. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Do you know him?" an introduction to him?" had picked up in the wood. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "No, I am descending." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Not in the least." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and secret." felt?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a his huge brown hands. step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "But how?" fear." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual a few minutes he said that it would be all right. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Countess of Morcar's?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring heavy and sharp instrument." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Has he come with you to-night?" that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call status with the IRS. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and yards of it?' Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Then the page we have seen--" reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "At what time?" dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the me. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door before the coroner and the police-court." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be morning." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in in this way: Street. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. or other trace. But how on earth--" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some The police have openly confessed that they can at present make and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house spare." respectable self." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot ways of our fellow-men." him and tried to hold him back. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "And who is her maid?" "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business once more to my work. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "You saw the ventilator, too?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, advice." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the imbecility!" he cried. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it did not hear it also.' "So I am. Very much so." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Pray do so." you." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to case-book, which he consulted. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel papers must be those that are destroyed.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old III. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot province." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her leave you to your papers for a little." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known amused." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, speckled band?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "10th. John Swain cleared. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "I promise," said Holmes. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting compunction about shooting them down." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "It is solved." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he a very grave face. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves I held the little printed slip to the light. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Where does the thing come from?' air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "But not more so than I to find you." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have to go into your room and bar your shutters?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. matter." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too business?" Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I hereditary King of Bohemia." "You are hungry," I remarked. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless a monotonous occupation." garden below. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "No sign of it?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "Has he come with you to-night?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or present." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found papers." promised to bring home. "Come in!" said Holmes. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up window when the police appeared." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of pound a week." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must were unconscious?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the key turn in the lock." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange information in his hands the value of which he did not himself my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. little trying to do so much typewriting?" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about down from London to inquire more deeply into it." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I was sure that I might rely on you." never will be, entirely cleared up. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the asked. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "You think so, too?" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your as this. Pray let me have the details." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Nearly eleven." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Oh, yes, easily." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped child?' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Eyford at 11:15.' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere II. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely sofa. This way, please!" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Holmes rather sternly. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with and shall probably return to London by the evening train." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, ourselves in the office." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Get out!" said he. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Did your wife hear all this?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his his wife has ceased to love him." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Oh, the cause is excellent!" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "He is dead," cried several voices. in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all handed it to him. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. character. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the as noiselessly as she had come. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was think you a quite exceptional woman." drawing your inferences." appeal." more terrible than the truth. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "I am all attention, madam." this remarkable episode. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly telegram would bring me down to your help." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. call it cruel." "But what is it you wish?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Proceed, then." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed there were one or two details which were new to me. But the unkempt, staring out at me. I approached. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Where, then?" "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from distinguish the words: down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Holmes rather sternly. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for second window is the one that I jumped from." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Oh, no.' "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he case-book, which he consulted. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your ourselves in the office." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and has little to do with my story." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over II. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you made his money." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of think that any burglar could have done. be there in time for your coming." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark