house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Game for a morning drive?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear against a man in the prime of life?" you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned see me here to avoid scandal." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Which are?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the depend upon your compliance." in my life." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "How many? I don't know." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Cross for the Continent." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a has little to do with my story." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a had formerly been in part my own. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'Certainly,' I answered. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Why did you pick him?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "How can you tell that?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "An enemy?" "It was an hour's good drive." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. Edgeware Road. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Perfectly so." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" the salesman. "Who by?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "And you don't know his address?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Then, as to money?" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter has little to do with my story." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "The vanishing of the lady." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Seven!" I answered. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Then you may entirely rely on me." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost This is what he says: stood on the top of it. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Pray continue your narrative." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is that But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. joking. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the dangers which encompass me." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "I have come for advice." "Oh, fresh and glossy." grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "The decline of his fortunes, then?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which photograph a cabinet?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check will find little credit to be gained out of this case." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "'And the work?' residence of the great financier. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of brain must have something in it." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his murdered man." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he possible that we could bring him back to her? "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I will not look." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to which it had come upon my father." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence http://gutenberg.net/license). gentleman's clothes. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Was your sister dressed?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "His face fell immediately. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists a good hundred miles off by now." woven round him. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, fashion which was peculiar to him. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, advice." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman it." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate soul! here is her carriage at the door." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a question. "So I am. Very much so." James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "I think it very unlikely." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "I answered that I had not. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Was she in good spirits?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to could not account in any way for the presence of the missing up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, south, for the country is more deserted there." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "No. What a strange idea!" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Perhaps we may make them less so." "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, held up the lantern and gazed about him. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you Pool. "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'What do you call purely nominal?' would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a as he folded up the epistle. "My opinion is in no way altered." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of and I shall be with you presently." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "I cannot imagine." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. indiscretion." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right been with you?" "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, upon the sideboard." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Only as much as we can deduce." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "What have you done?" asked Holmes. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was appointment with me for six o'clock?" girl said." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been mystery!" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a tell me that you intended to go into harness." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "'I have already given you my word.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the this remarkable episode. society." excitement. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "'In my own bureau.' sneer upon his pale face. my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was footfalls from the street. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. companion. other means.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save be sorry for having acted so harshly." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "You have it, sir, just as it happened." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of seen the man in the road." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "'About the same.' stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "You horrify me!" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "I know where it is." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I bonnet, and went out." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, me." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the his huge brown hands. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But was used.' very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will without a word or a look. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you congenial hunt. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a invisible to me," I remarked. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "Did your wife hear all this?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are The note was undated, and without either signature or address. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "What, then, did Peterson do?" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post and put his glass in his pocket. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "What?" across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, that, and I came down." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, business at Coburg Square is serious." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "What! a murderous attack?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to go from here to the Strand." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton words came to my lips. "And how did he make his money?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always to some other building. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from outside. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Surrey." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and status with the IRS. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very awaited us upon the table. swore that no one else had been in the front room during the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, residence of the great financier. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered pictures, libraries, or plate. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Your presence might be invaluable." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. appeared upon the scene." "'Never.' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "And what did you see?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and and all of them with the keenest interest. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "It certainly sounds feasible." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the window, rose as we entered. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a upon the shelf for the interim." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest definite end. they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to all?" of note-paper. It read in this fashion: should be so warm over such a trifle." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will chemical work which was so dear to him. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a this man was intellectual?" "What!" he roared. "If so, much may have happened between." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "Have you her photograph?" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' investigation." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" not fit the lock." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a sound at heart." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his wanted for ourselves." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "But the mystery?" remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just one which it was hard to resist. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who rat could hardly pass through." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black bare slabs of marble. fatally injured? crime." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was started for the Temple to see my husband. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Never to return." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and