and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes chamber." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the States. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life beyond words. dramatic, in fact." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and the colonel ushered me in. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "How many? I don't know." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that believe that I should never have any practice at all. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Absolutely none." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "And how did you find out?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: The note was undated, and without either signature or address. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he weary and pale-looking. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "What of the rat, then?" pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than DISSOLVED. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has families. Now for the facts. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we and have this put in the evening papers." the inquest, and which are worth considering." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, touch that coronet?' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we down. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in said he. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "But she could not love him." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the digesting their breakfasts at home." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now disturbance in my wife." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. obstinate." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to crowd. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have details." that you saw all that I did." His smile broadened. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a she might be summoned. acted in my house last night?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Yes, all." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper of Mr. Rucastle's." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "'Never,' said I. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average events than those which have happened in my own family." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If village inn over there?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold undoubtedly my uncle's." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point been deceived." power." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, relief. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that arms and began to sob in a high treble key. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my where we are going." vanished into the darkness. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I will get her to show me." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "No, I am descending." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the works. See paragraph 1.E below. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which sake, don't!" the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it deduce something from that?" "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I never have." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and tell them apart.' "This photograph!" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you could not have written that. It is the German who is so dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "And how did he make his money?" "'What are you doing there?' he asked. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to danger is over." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Then let me do so?' "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of bird I ate is country bred." "'Yes.' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that recover the gem." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, quickly through a disagreeable task. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Which are?" "That is unusual in a young girl." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old not interfere, come what may. You understand?" direction." "Certainly." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. persecution?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. remarked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his other means.' and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "That you are never beaten." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary ways of our fellow-men." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should likely to be some crony of the landlady's." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from just ask you whether you had heard it.' through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon His name is Francis Prosper." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Pray tell us what has happened to you." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the very letters. But what is this written above them?' photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." remarked. approach us with offers to donate. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in that you wished to speak to me?' memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the my former friend and companion. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set this man was intellectual?" said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which a room. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian ago." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the of this gang." Project Gutenberg-tm works. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of see me here to avoid scandal." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the signal between you and your father? prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Holmes, the busybody!" "I have hopes." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue locked." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Munro.' He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You are hungry," I remarked. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Nor running a chance of arrest?" everything which you would wish to know." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 to-night's adventure." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still other, as fresh and trim as possible. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "None." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three of fine shops and stately business premises that they really to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "I should like to see him very much." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the I nodded to show that I had heard. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's wanted for ourselves." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one nothing with him." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Why, what do you mean?" adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Miss Holder?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "My dear Holmes!" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' singular points about the case. What did the police think of the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and thin legs towards the fire. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would help us in this matter." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection the Assizes." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us photograph a cabinet?" "Witness: I must still refuse. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "It may not come to that," said Holmes. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the to-night?' Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his your Highness to the police-station?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to nothing of it?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been round with crates and massive boxes. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "I don't say that. Perhaps." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "You'll never persuade me to believe that." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her once more for Briony Lodge. "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone the warnings." sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been http://www.gutenberg.net flock.' conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the see me here to avoid scandal." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Come in!" said Holmes. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Why did you pick him?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of your most interesting statement." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might swore that no one else had been in the front room during the was already answered. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. infinite languor in his face. of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper delighted to hear it," he said. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped you for a few hours?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in purpose of examination. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a charge against him will break down." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it