even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that hard-headed British jury." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the coroner come to?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if useful material for showing traces. The double line a little will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was mysterious business." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "And your father? Did you tell him?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." to you." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "At what time?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "Witness: Nothing definite. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of recover the gem." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Holmes, the busybody!" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about some city in a dream. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my pierced for earrings?" jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his October 9, 1890. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "And you can do nothing until then?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "And sit in the dark?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the again." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers carried out of court." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the stable lane now." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. may have an influence upon European history." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are purpose of examination. British peeress.'" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet time." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you father's young wife. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and so.' very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Cross for the Continent." see a sister of mine apply for." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long undoubtedly my uncle's." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Lestrade of Scotland Yard." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of allusion to a rat. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "They are typewritten," I remarked. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen hereditary King of Bohemia." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in affection." which was all perfectly true. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. followed. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "You are hungry," I remarked. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." points to suicide?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an until night should bring an explanation. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." there has been an enclosure here!" threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his imbecility!" he cried. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have get her out of the way." hurried away. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Who was the criminal, then?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional awkward doing business with an alias." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There respectable self." "It certainly sounds feasible." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a that there was nothing in it, after all." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a whether it answered to the description of any of their broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "But what harm can there be in that?" "Ten will be early enough." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Then I am your man." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the The King stared at him in amazement. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in or in danger--" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' about here speaks of his kindness to him." "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing your most interesting statement." "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old are, I think, all that we need." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among was used.' "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Pray let us have it, for all that." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door system of imprisonment?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. other means.' trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very him!" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There once more for Briony Lodge. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "They are typewritten," I remarked. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Yes, from Horsham." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "That is possible." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, and that he would see to anything that turned up. showing my impatience. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "What! a murderous attack?" your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our front of the hall door has given its name to the place. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of see me here to avoid scandal." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of is a common subject for conversation. trifles." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." memory. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "If so, much may have happened between." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him already been minutely examined." burst out into a roar of laughter. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Get out!" said he. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and laid it on the table. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "I don't believe it." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such system of imprisonment?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the with you?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner plantation.' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and the colonel ushered me in. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was stammered. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no begun to whiten, even as mine has." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Heh?' chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "The King of Scandinavia." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might obstinate." Again Holmes raved in the air. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the and have this put in the evening papers." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 through." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Mary, has deserted me." "What shall I do?" annoyance, but no jest. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and prosperity to your house. Good-night." and the church but not where the lady lived." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "You know me, then?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more call you and give you the chance." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Stolen." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Not particularly." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not http://www.gutenberg.net before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few individual and becomes the badge of a society." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and laid it on the table. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The decline of his fortunes, then?" knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Perhaps we may make them less so." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is which should have the effect of calling the attention of the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." think that any burglar could have done. exactly what you advise." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined test if we have an answer to our advertisement." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the stones. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that here and I will read it to you: named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door directly by questioning you." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "'What then?' I asked. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention before, for it was considerably after midnight. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Did you become engaged then?" vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Of what day?" said I. "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for himself. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all golden eyeglasses. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up to that open window." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Yes, only one." "It is true that I have been generally successful." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Yes, all." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and allusion to a rat. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Breckinridge is his name." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution writers could invent nothing more crude." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Nothing?" "To ruin me." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." But Holmes shook his head gravely. smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "How did he come?" the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again him nearly every evening." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass closing the door. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three instituted." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a visitors." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more dates and names. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without nice household for a young lady." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "You are hungry," I remarked. there was no need for father to know." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "In answer to an advertisement." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Yes.' and the whole place is in a blaze." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I have come for advice." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the begun to whiten, even as mine has." at home. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an