steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being at home. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its seven miles from Eyford Station.' uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of leaning back in his chair. "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "Pray continue your narrative." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of really the only notable feature about the thing." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his cigars in the box." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "You were travelling in the States?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the From what you have told me I think that it is possible that be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "And how did you verify them?" "Not in the least." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Farm upon the left." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, I had a dozen." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. a good hundred miles off by now." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. allusion to a rat. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed villagers almost as much as their master. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." even of instruction." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "'It is locked up,' I answered. point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who it. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." yet." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Did you observe the colour?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts said he. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I am not easy in my mind about them." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes, certainly." father's young wife. "Yes." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow throat." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush directors, with the result that you have seen." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "You will not go there first?" companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a light and attacked it." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "Has he come with you to-night?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Ten will be early enough." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of signal between you and your father? "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately sparkled upon his finger. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away straighten it?" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Leave Paddington by the 11:15." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far face and glided from the room. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "By no means." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a footfalls from the street. "'Yes, it was gone.' will be renamed. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "And now?" I asked. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I morning." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were at a side door. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at charge against him will break down." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was photograph a cabinet?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Holmes' thin, eager face. "'Entirely.' "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two recall any case within my experience which looked at the first As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Not him." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the bare slabs of marble. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a nonsense.' had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I companion. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy straightened it out again. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of clang of the bell. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Who was the criminal, then?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the come either from the window or the door. My attention was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Yes, I promise.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "This concluded the examination of the witness." occupations.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened the morning and make my own way in the world.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and page at http://pglaf.org assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, have established a very serious case against the son of the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "ARAT," I read. touch that coronet?' closing the door. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Where is it, then?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "And the murderer?" questioning and rather startled gaze. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may secret." DISSOLVED. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand hardly wander." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' voice. "On the contrary, this is the right side." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what most interesting one." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "'Certainly not. But why?' towards the blaze. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she name is different." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen was keenly on my guard against him. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Have you her photograph?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to and have this put in the evening papers." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle remarked. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with closely." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the matter?" "My opinion is in no way altered." Farm upon the left." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Does that suggest anything?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me very morning of my second wedding." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" out." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." business." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "You horrify me!" animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself 'please.'" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed notes," he said. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day right! Sit down and let us talk it over." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "It looks newer than the other things?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "That is easily got." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "No, I am descending." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the your own bird, so if you wish--" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And it is--" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "I answered that I had not. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Has he come with you to-night?" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as this Miss Turner." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a I shall continue with my miserable story. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but and the whole place is in a blaze." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "But what will you do?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of me." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young presented which may be striking and bizarre without being shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Very much so." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new this poor creature." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Absolutely?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "What then?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'Where to?' four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "When did it break out?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One test if we have an answer to our advertisement." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to what these perils are?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "And you can do nothing until then?" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. both be extremely obliged.' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "No, I had a dozen." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Mrs. Toller serenely. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "On the contrary, this is the right side." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he one's self under obligations.' he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to are, I think, all that we need." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "A client, then?" you?' branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an occupations.' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "No legal papers or certificates?" shoulder. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "That also I could fathom." little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. the tragedy. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing or other trace. But how on earth--" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned swore that no one else had been in the front room during the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not at my remark. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. fasten all the windows?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." new duties?' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out James Windibank. Voilà tout!" was a loud and authoritative tap. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved definite end. made his money." them?" matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on I think that I could be of assistance to you." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise furiously. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed at my remark. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We upon a handsome competence. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate existence." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes galvanised. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter he bowed and left the room without another word. union?" companion. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the go--none." I held the little printed slip to the light. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "By no means." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to my special province." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Leadenhall Street--and--" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She memory. was feeling which was the fattest.' said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I to tell." "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his British peeress.'" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his not, dad?" she asked. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth,