and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was information in his hands the value of which he did not himself turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided with you alone." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! to change my dress. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" himself. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen friend's singular character. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a conceal it?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but Clair, of Lee." strength." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "But of what society?" at once, for I have only half an hour." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "By all means." brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "I cannot tell." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the get the tickets." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "What can you not understand?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And I." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Very truly yours, gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and events, Mr. Windibank!" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "No, I think that I'll take it." relief. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same hurried by. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the child?' have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I cannot say that I have." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I obstinate." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he during that time.' struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some forbidden door. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the side-table." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A closing the door. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. better in every way that they should make their position a little which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate intrusion of other matters." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day signal between you and your father? "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Henry Baker is a member." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my as yours." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into it." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so other, as fresh and trim as possible. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement at my remark. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his for its centre. it. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Nothing." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Street. "Your sister is dead, then?" hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away up this clue while it is still hot." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and cause to be." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there I approached. "'Where to?' this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the upon the shelf for the interim." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Deserted you?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was about here speaks of his kindness to him." "I see no marks." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been a monotonous occupation." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." speckled band?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our events than those which have happened in my own family." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "Here?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my foresight and the moral retrogression?" lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Pope's Court, Fleet Street." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "What then?" "It is a murder, then?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. your equipment. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." absorbing." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the running down." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after Young McCarthy must be got off, however." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "No, but the enclosure is." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done absorbing." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact indeed happy." that?' entirely lost his self-respect." McCarthy's innocence. Sholtos." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Holmes rather sternly. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face that I am arrested." woven round him. where she found matters as described by the last witness. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from carriage. It was a chestnut." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it o'clock is it?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies them?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and residence of the great financier. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "And the murderer?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new despaired of." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the six. Come in!" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his vanished into the darkness. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "Dark enough and sinister enough." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. address. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the and that he would see to anything that turned up. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he several quiet little villages up there." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "In which, sir?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "No?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband presented which may be striking and bizarre without being revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a to a light-house. "But his left-handedness." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to affect your life." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "And from a noble client?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom how narrow had been my escape. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer I have it here in my museum." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "I beg pardon." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "He is dead," cried several voices. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I in the hope of finding them." questionable one." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "But you were on a friendly footing?" The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have narrative." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. photograph?" "The gentleman I describe." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that tail." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "You horrify me!" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. confronted him. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Why serious?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the such person." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing before, for it was considerably after midnight. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven crowd. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "We must have a cab." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as I was concerned in it." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "No, but the enclosure is." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "What! a murderous attack?" the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "I am following you closely," I answered. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands woman who has had her own way to make in the world. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were individual and becomes the badge of a society." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Stolen." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was from the brougham. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. purpose equally well?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. away into the river." "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means awkward doing business with an alias." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'It is locked up,' I answered. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the King without delay." closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert little trying to do so much typewriting?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. forecastle of an emigrant ship. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her cost them two and thirty pounds." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Look there!" said he. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "How many? I don't know." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." a little more before I quite committed myself.