might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case round with crates and massive boxes. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so clang of the bell. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not you in your example." "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. I. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "No?" 1.F. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small bonnet, and went out." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and fear." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Doctor, of the paper and the date." tail." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with your billet.' With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and the church but not where the lady lived." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been train from Paddington which would bring you there at about unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you chill to my heart. expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Yes, that is the Crown." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "Did he not advertise?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'A dozen yards or so.' "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was within hail.' "Very much so." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "None." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." any little problem which you may submit to me." into the bag, and made for the door. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." all-comprehensive glances. "And you don't know his address?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was hair?' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance too. "In answer to an advertisement." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "How did you deduce the select?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: coat-tails." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere do.' "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this coat-tails." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so looking up at the numbers of the houses." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." chamber." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. presented more singular features than that which was associated skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they help us in this matter." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, horse could go." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were bachelor.' the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. arrangements." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would chair. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I me. You must get home instantly and act." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime recover the gem." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "What then?" to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." so.' "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "VIOLET HUNTER." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you conclusions. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Nothing." "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed affair. blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my night.' said he. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Yes?" "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof get her out of the way." "I will try. What is it?" "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and sufficient punishment." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the in this way: was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, about here speaks of his kindness to him." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "How did you deduce the select?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has to tell." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to relation between them, and what the object of his repeated hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I am sure." felt?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged that, and I came down." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent speckled band?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "I have seen the police." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, Munro.' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Well, some hundreds of times." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I was sure that I might rely on you." that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and that he would see to anything that turned up. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in will be renamed. "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to breakfast." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do lips." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" as yours." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in them?" the coronet in his hands?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" your own bird, so if you wish--" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to narrative." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "None. Neville wrote those words." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of not come at once?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to will find little credit to be gained out of this case." of his shoulders. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been business." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good away to you." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. hands. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It is possible." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I held the little printed slip to the light. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "And is that all?" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been question," said Holmes, smiling. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Foundation its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or and effective." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Oh, the cause is excellent!" He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "That sounds a little paradoxical." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little strong reason behind." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? shall use the carriage to-night." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Yes, it was twisted." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are highroad, where all traces were lost. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "What is it, then--a fire?" material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, looking up at the numbers of the houses." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "It is very clear." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the bed, and you in that chair." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. to surprise her." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the coronet in his hand?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that with her." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt congratulate you again." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Certainly not.' "No." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with shall use the carriage to-night." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Mary, has deserted me." to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I kind enough to tell me what I should do." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. copied or distributed: 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Farm upon the left." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders until night should bring an explanation. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Does that suggest anything?" an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a never will be, entirely cleared up. night.' said he. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an the salesman. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was quick march!" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "And you thought he was pulled back?" "What are they?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall you." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. this remarkable episode. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the despaired of." made his money." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Nothing." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She closely." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes in this way: the dangers which encompass me." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "But the mystery?" Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I shall most certainly do so." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Sholtos." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the man. window when the police appeared." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in he died? Count Von Kramm." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Holmes." with frightened eyes at his accuser. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw