point our research must commence, and we will begin it by gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" this Miss Turner." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Well, but China?" "Nothing." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. any." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue all-comprehensive glances. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, upon a handsome competence. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." spark where all is dark to me." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back the little opening for the ventilator is." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the nice household for a young lady." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. wedding?" could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. undoubtedly my uncle's." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and the colonel ushered me in. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. directors, with the result that you have seen." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat good for you to do.' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." asked with his eyes open. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you." wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. other means.' brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy may never be exposed to such a temptation." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "'Where could I find him?' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "But you have hopes?" story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are could go. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable as he remarks, very much against the son." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the held up the lantern and gazed about him. him nearly every evening." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "My dear Holmes!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit of a light. him, that man would not have given me such complete information where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I wanted for ourselves." "And how did you verify them?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I cannot think." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as acquaintance?" all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "Upon what point?" of Mr. Rucastle's." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Well?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" returning from some small jollification and was making his way "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." call the police, let the police find what they can.' "I shall most certainly do so." Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Where is it, then?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "'You doubt its value?' he asked. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could roused himself from his reverie. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless next day. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have galvanised. have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "He said too much." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will quite distinctive." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. was it brought him the coronet? unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may during which he might have communicated with his friend the him. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the wedding?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." seem to you to be relevant or not." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing spare." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, heavy and sharp instrument." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "What do you mean?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came ventilator." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Who by?" manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he said I. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them within hail.' "That is it on the dressing-table." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "It is very kind of you." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my sufficient punishment." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "How do you know, then?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of less than 26s. 4d. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and anything to a woman, for she would have her way." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, shaken than I had ever seen him. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, crime. baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "I am following you closely," I answered. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Nothing?" Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the tapping his fingers upon the table. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "I think it very unlikely." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "10th. John Swain cleared. Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." have established a very serious case against the son of the There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an wedding?" I have it here in my museum." "What of the rat, then?" Henry Baker is a member." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the devil!" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the footfalls from the street. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, humiliation." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to some other building. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her quick march!" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Then what has happened to him?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are appointment with me for six o'clock?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the throat." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, was used.' through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in fashion which was peculiar to him. "'Is purely nominal.' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the coronet at all injured?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Not in a good cause." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the see me here to avoid scandal." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And arrested. You then--" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Well?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' outsides of the windows. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I my room." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Leadenhall Street--and--" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. cup of tea. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it chance at all." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "And how did you verify them?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Only as much as we can deduce." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It Project Gutenberg-tm works. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat the tragedy. "Entirely." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "She showed me, as I told you she would." ways of our fellow-men." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed away to you." number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he in my life." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the assist you in forming an opinion." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, very old mansion. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out allusion to a rat. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. whereabouts. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Were they all fastened this morning?" back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "And it is--" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to your co-operation." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "Won't it ring?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Sutherland?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' criminal. We have already had experience of such." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind amused." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the wedding?" papers must be those that are destroyed.' of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's breakfast." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "But how did you gain them?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of papers on the sundial.'" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "How about poison?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "One of his hands." "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it ways of our fellow-men." "But she will refuse." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. never came back." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "One of his hands." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then What do you deduce from it?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon and it need not interfere very much with one's other band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You