"Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" or in danger--" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'I am sure that I do not know.' My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been such person." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. already referred to. the window, rose as we entered. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net following enigmatical notices: her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Thank you. Pray proceed." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they and wait." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "When did she vanish, then?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson both be extremely obliged.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel returning from some small jollification and was making his way an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Clair, of Lee." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Lestrade of Scotland Yard." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "The doctor?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I should wish to." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in ourselves in the office." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, chance at all." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "And how did you find out?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with I was concerned in it." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" you in yours." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and to arrive at through this?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "What steps will you take?" I asked. chance." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "But I am all in the dark." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, them?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." John Swain, of St. Augustine. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to indiscretion." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be respectable self." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "'Is purely nominal.' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' your sleep?' who was a member of your goose club." Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it His name is Francis Prosper." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business showing my impatience. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I guessed as much." other means.' License. You must require such a user to return or specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a death." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the loss of it. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "How did you trace it, then?" that you wished to speak to me?' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Yes, from Horsham." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "My dear Holmes!" people don't know." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "One?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I cannot imagine." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall hard-headed British jury." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, village inn over there?" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, imbecility!" he cried. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "And Irene Adler?" you do it in twenty minutes!' strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, congenial hunt. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible other lovers by making love himself." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Who was the criminal, then?" behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine cigars in the box." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is opened the door, and slipped through. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of matter." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "By no means." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Henry Baker is a member." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Heh?' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Bought." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Yes." "That also I could fathom." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Yes." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned compunction about shooting them down." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich any more." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "But it has twice been burgled." touch that coronet?' Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." not, dad?" she asked. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point confronted him. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: that I am arrested." goes." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of dates and names. "Of what day?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she results." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them married her." other lovers by making love himself." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "I am in hopes that she does." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon you understand?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight be there in time for your coming." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the so-precious time, but come!' ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another and glanced through. "Was there a secret marriage?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for morning." promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite peculiar to him. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to The King stared at him in amazement. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was amused." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Then what has happened to him?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'Yes, sir.' contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the fled together." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "'About the same.' Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and must compliment you." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "Bought." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I shall be delighted." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I assist you in forming an opinion." appeal." "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark morning." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "Do you receive much company?" he asked. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son with you alone." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Dirty?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, over with notes and figures. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." present." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I will, Miss Turner." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall one's self under obligations.' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." at home. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "What then?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "Yes, I have one waiting." Edgeware Road. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "The rest you will leave in our hands." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded wedding?" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: only touch the interest." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to tell him that I know him to be innocent." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must gone. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Very much so." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "I was certainly surprised to find you there." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "You don't mind breaking the law?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. of Mr. Rucastle's." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Come in!" said he. derbies." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "Ha! you find it so?" is entirely a question of barometric pressure." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "You are certainly joking, Holmes." that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. crowd. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One congratulate you again." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and present." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I important." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Come in!" said he. home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I have a cab outside." delighted to hear it," he said. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "One of the highest in England." Project Gutenberg-tm works. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "May I see it?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little