"What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" manager. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Where does the thing come from?' "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love with you?" "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner shall use the carriage to-night." "And on what day did he meet his death?" rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view 1.E.9. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he charge against him will break down." exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion of them has the shutters up.' glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she newspaper selections." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, about. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. his knees, staring into the fire. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he future lives." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole him nearly every evening." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "The landlord of the Alpha." new duties?' an introduction to him?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." his grey eyes. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "You have compromised yourself seriously." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it guilty parties." this Miss Turner." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Is he quiet?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for cost them two and thirty pounds." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her mystery!" might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "She told me to ask you." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a entirely lost his self-respect." my room." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Entirely." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting at my remark. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "And the murderer?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have already been minutely examined." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry searched, without anything being found which could incriminate quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do matter." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I cannot as yet see any connection." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when ill-usage at the hands of fortune. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Then, as to money?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which bachelor.' before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. waste of energy." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "No, finished." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." memory. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "So I heard. You have him here?" "And sit in the dark?" "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" helping a boy to put up the shutters. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a to a light-house. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a said he. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "It's nothing of the kind." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give from you?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "How did he come?" Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Holmes, the busybody!" "He said that you could solve anything." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited most interesting one." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter his face. "It missed him, then?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Not I." "It surprised me." "Yesterday." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Pray do so." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the night.' pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." fuss that is made over them." "And I say east," said my patient. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem infinite languor in his face. "There is the writing." "And sit in the dark?" sneer upon his pale face. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove miles off. story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief Have you good authority for what you say?" "Of Friday, June 19th." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'Where could I find him?' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious business in the City. She little knew what. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Holmes, the busybody!" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were burst into a hearty fit of laughter. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and put his glass in his pocket. the stable lane now." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from eavesdroppers?' "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal minor matters until to-morrow." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be started for the Temple to see my husband. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "To the police?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my plantation.' "On the contrary, this is the right side." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, business." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the me. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as rat could hardly pass through." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Cross for the Continent." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Ah!" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Yes." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "What do you mean?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. she used." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "But you can know nothing of this?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is strength of mind to control. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most have not had my rubber." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what think you a quite exceptional woman." "It is a murder, then?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of bird of prey. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Won't it ring?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a second." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first disappearance of the bride.'" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors completely overtopped every other consideration that we both The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And how have you succeeded?" really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and trying to your nerves." Eyford." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'Most admirably.' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Why, it's a dummy," said he. chambers. "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "I should be immensely obliged to you." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "That is unusual in a young girl." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "No more words. Get out!" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "But I am all in the dark." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "She told me to ask you." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Then I am your man." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our bill, which interests me deeply." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a golden eyeglasses. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I don't say that. Perhaps." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his prepare for the new role I have to play." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my was a lad." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "But how will you look?" possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "At what time?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "'No, I know no one in these parts.' knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" detective. said he at last. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. anything to do with the matter?" signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the noting anything else of interest. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so considering the formidable letters which were received by himself daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "He said too much." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far your room." broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he investigation." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Where is it, then?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much tell them apart.'