Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a you?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet helping a boy to put up the shutters. past. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "I am sure." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a did not hear it also.' deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly The events in question occurred in the early days of my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Was your sister dressed?" process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "But it has twice been burgled." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I cannot say that I have." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." were new raised from a basin. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, in him." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt was lame." long narrative. "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would the inquest, and which are worth considering." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, to Leatherhead. address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our himself in a perplexing position. They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" his face which made him a very different person to the round, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "I will get her to show me." strength of mind to control. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." writers could invent nothing more crude." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose had this final quarrel? was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid three fields round his house, and there he would take his to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. go from here to the Strand." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not address. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "So it appears." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with singular points about the case. What did the police think of the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have the child." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, stalked out of the room. them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with pound a week." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net nothing with him." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. to that open window." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person when you have done it." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort could go. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "Certainly." carried out of court." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. may never be exposed to such a temptation." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the coronet in his hands?" "Not in the least." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so appointment with me for six o'clock?" http://gutenberg.net/license). gives a meaning to it." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an such person." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a before the coroner and the police-court." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" approach us with offers to donate. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs highly," said Holmes. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "I would pay ten." any." "BALLARAT." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' remarked. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She had formerly been in part my own. How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an held up the lantern and gazed about him. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable meant it for the best. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, business matters.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw business." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." furiously. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "What then?" "I should like to see him very much." infinite languor in his face. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "By train from Waterloo." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate digesting their breakfasts at home." colonel looking down at me. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "We must sit without light. He would see it through the fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "You will not go there first?" swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. long narrative. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the date of his supposed suicide." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its quick march!" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, vault. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle The King stared at him in amazement. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't case before our client came into the room." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the armchair which I pushed forward for him. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "You have but to name it." brain must have something in it." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." believe that I should never have any practice at all. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "The best possible." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I cannot think." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "Seven!" I answered. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." dramatic, in fact." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which my special province." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was again on its way. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her out of this horrible affair." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away purpose of examination. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "I assure you that I am in your hands." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect you." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my in the dead of the night?' "So I heard. You have him here?" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the salesman. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the roused himself from his reverie. "No, I am descending." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. them?" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his daring than any effort of the imagination." gbnewby@pglaf.org eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every not within a twentieth part of the market price." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre colour had been driven from his face. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last chambers. lumber-room." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, comes from the middle window." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Most admirably.' "And why?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Pray do so." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the me." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited in one or two places in England?' not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly digesting their breakfasts at home." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. union?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own is four-and-twenty." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you client, rising. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "At the wedding breakfast." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we to change my dress. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "Here?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I think it very unlikely." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address new duties?' surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "The gentleman I describe." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless companion. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Yes." "What! You do not mean bodies?" doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her to affect your life." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly seem to you to be relevant or not." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a