"To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "That is unusual in a young girl." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "'What, the red-headed man?' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and you?' dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' business?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" window when the police appeared." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Your presence might be invaluable." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "No, but the enclosure is." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our approach us with offers to donate. "Not I." way in." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that and I shall be with you presently." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land was it brought him the coronet? up this clue while it is still hot." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this about. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "When did she vanish, then?" quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, imbecility!" he cried. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old companion quietly. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Then, how do you know?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the too. fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must is entirely a question of barometric pressure." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet visitors." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' his wife has ceased to love him." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," married her." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial to have that photograph." "'What do you call purely nominal?' "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And I to find an enemy." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I bird I ate is country bred." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "I will not look." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his papers on the sundial.'" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to-night?' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "That was it, sir." as he folded up the epistle. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a mystery!" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "This photograph!" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "Quite so. She has her freedom." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "Stolen." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he will be renamed. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "But how could you guess what the motive was?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced house for five minutes.' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this pierced for earrings?" "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning fish-monger and a tide-waiter." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "I don't say that. Perhaps." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag mysterious end." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, signal between you and your father? case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be pictures, libraries, or plate. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was wedding?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. certainly do as you advise." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few constraint." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Here?" it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know there!' Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. populous neighbourhood." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and pierced for earrings?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe that you saw all that I did." towards the blaze. out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I am in hopes that she does." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I have seen the police." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. Holmes' thin, eager face. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Yes." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Yes." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as one's self under obligations.' rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am when you have done it." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a to arrive at through this?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "'What are you doing there?' he asked. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised country, and eventually married, without anyone having a case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in weary and pale-looking. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing lectures into a series of tales." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had his grey eyes. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it served to weaken the effect. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it the bed, and you in that chair." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "His face fell immediately. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "The King of Scandinavia." "And Irene Adler?" had formerly been in part my own. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which simple cases which are so extremely difficult." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been Eyford at 11:15.' the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom you?' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen anything to do with the matter?" beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I think that I could be of assistance to you." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning morning." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "No, my brougham is waiting." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "It is possible." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "What! a murderous attack?" and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "What, then?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'I have heard so.' could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been married her." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I absorbing." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "What do you make of that, Watson?" the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." the roots. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was business at Coburg Square is serious." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did arrested. You then--" believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I just called myself is not exactly my own." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "How did that help you?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. outbreak?" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "My dear Holmes!" lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be intimate personal affairs in this public manner." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped the window, rose as we entered. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Have you it here?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at his knees, staring into the fire. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off such attractions and accomplishments?' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The vanishing of the lady." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the yet." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Yes." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'Then let me do so?' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." yards of it?' maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of directors have had misgivings upon the subject." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Oh, fresh and glossy." chamber." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to for the market.' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging so far?" "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' guilty one." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of flock.' having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "What!" he roared. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. occupations.' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into to tell." "You think that he is dead?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just followed. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "I will get her to show me." and your relations to her." "'Is purely nominal.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Holmes." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "In the cells." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up very old mansion. Chief Executive and Director a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lost his Christmas dinner." brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the south, for the country is more deserted there."