retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "The Coroner: What do you mean? He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "What!" he roared. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "So I am. Very much so." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening business?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You forget that I know nothing about it." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial ashen face. description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for row." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." away to you." thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the how narrow had been my escape. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed written. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive "My photograph." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had nothing of it?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to have that photograph." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the not, dad?" she asked. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "Pray do so." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "And how did you verify them?" you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'What then?' I asked. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a before, for it was considerably after midnight. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Did your wife hear all this?" Sutherland. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in more terrible than the truth. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk fear." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "And your mother is alive?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. you came in." matters immensely." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "The decline of his fortunes, then?" wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would and glanced through. politicians who had been sent down from the North. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless burst into a hearty fit of laughter. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "Not I." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: went to the Alpha were town bred." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "It missed him, then?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an in one or two places in England?' see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I fear not." tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Yes." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out bonnet, and went out." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" sofa. This way, please!" the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a room. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your your own bird, so if you wish--" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I was mad--insane." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Quite sure, dad.' serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Yes." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Then I do not see the point." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging really the only notable feature about the thing." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "I have come for advice." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was bachelor.' "Ample." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an outbreak?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching believe that I should never have any practice at all. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to presented which may be striking and bizarre without being seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were and that he would see to anything that turned up. undoubtedly my uncle's." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic I took the paper from him and read as follows: acquaintance?" active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms straightened it out again. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the father's young wife. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I there were one or two details which were new to me. But the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her without success. At last the little money which I had saved began sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. brandy and water within his reach. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, was keenly on my guard against him. your troubles." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. gone. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I may have an influence upon European history." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Why did you pick him?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is to a more successful conclusion." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'What do you call purely nominal?' with some details as to your case." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But what will you do?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding later, upon the night of May 2nd." estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, not use it unless it is absolutely needed." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the chance at all." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a the little opening for the ventilator is." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And why?" nonsense.' "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "My photograph." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "'How far from the body?' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the purpose equally well?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just back alive. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong nice household for a young lady." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Never." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "It looks newer than the other things?" suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; upon a handsome competence. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to case-book, which he consulted. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City think that he is innocent?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there had a long day." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Very much so." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella would then never go into court at all." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not things are very often connected not with the larger but with the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have it." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which that?' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She train.' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I politicians who had been sent down from the North. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of more terrible than the truth. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat towards the blaze. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in should be so warm over such a trifle." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a hard-headed British jury." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Which are?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "The murder was done with it." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it said I. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and what these perils are?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Quite so. She has her freedom." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted seem to you to be relevant or not." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "And your father? Did you tell him?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "If I can be of use." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Yes." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the roused himself from his reverie. entirely devoid of interest." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a second window is the one that I jumped from." certainly not very gracious." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But begin with, and I had not got mine yet." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, strong and stiff." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler goes." derbies." "I have solved it." "And the cigar-holder?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this awaited us upon the table. fait accompli?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but window when the police appeared." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his not interfere, come what may. You understand?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint roused himself from his reverie. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His nonsense.' hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever been." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "You have carte blanche." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." little trying to do so much typewriting?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the did not hear it also.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman then?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. know what is wrong with it.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you helping a boy to put up the shutters. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and said I. "An accident, I presume?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the papers." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. never came back." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Dark enough and sinister enough." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'What do you call purely nominal?' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the with you?" eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case ceremony." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, certainly not very gracious." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "I should be immensely obliged to you." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out