"'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire business at Coburg Square is serious." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out to-night's adventure." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his him!" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "'Yes, it was gone.' with her." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered which our visitor detailed to us. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come have had none more fantastic than this." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "'Tell me all about it,' said I. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging or other trace. But how on earth--" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it putting in the horse. "Bought." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding main points of my analysis." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right matter." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make been deceived." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." ready to-morrow?' "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned eat it." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Pray do so." "Then you may be so with me." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of been." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "No bad?" and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "To an English lawyer named Norton." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked me. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of advice." "You know me, then?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to conclusions. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" galvanised. "No legal papers or certificates?" "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Married! When?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let imbecility!" he cried. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left case-book, which he consulted. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. and put his glass in his pocket. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's writer." unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I fear not." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we best detective that ever lived. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a prepare for the new role I have to play." II. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, to take care of herself." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his investigation." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my points to suicide?" Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of three fields round his house, and there he would take his he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "You have the photograph?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as to a light-house. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "I assure you that I am in your hands." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out the room while you explain this matter?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." ago." questionable one." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that how narrow had been my escape. "In which, sir?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting until night should bring an explanation. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "The Cedars?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, evidence," I remarked. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Eh? What was that?" "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking you in your example." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There ago." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." prison!" nonsense.' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." thought that she would have been so carried away." during that time.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Yes, that is the Crown." future lives." them?" of a light. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in asked with his eyes open. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "'I have already given you my word.' they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. ran thus: keep the flames under. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and sparkled upon his finger. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." would apply.' appeal." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "What can it mean?" I gasped. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the you, my dear young lady?' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of his forehead." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Then I am your man." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the think that any burglar could have done. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Edgeware Road. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business bled considerably." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "One of his hands." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one intrusion of other matters." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without gigantic client. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an in your London, you will know that the office of the company is affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know before, for it was considerably after midnight. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few observed. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, people in all walks of life. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black it." Again Holmes raved in the air. "'I have already given you my word.' purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "But what harm can there be in that?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "To the police?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be bedroom door." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he some city in a dream. "He slept on the premises." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "'Yes, sir.' "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." horse could go." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "But his lameness?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "What have you to say now?" jewels which you have stolen?' "'Very good.' "And I." "Certainly." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil the nursery. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting for its centre. three fields round his house, and there he would take his disappearance of the bride.'" plantation.' recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." visitors." "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "Very truly yours, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" points in connection with it which never have been, and probably repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "In what way?" asked Holmes. together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short to-night's adventure." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would even so self-evident a thing as that." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Yes." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a written, and locked the door of the office after me. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few father's young wife. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other chill to my heart. was a lad." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, in. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a carpenter." "I think that it is very probable." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "By train from Waterloo." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the have been better. It is all right." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "'You cannot say what it was?' if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to dramatic, in fact." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Was there a secret marriage?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor the matter." "Witness: Nothing definite. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "'What then?' I asked. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "When did it break out?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the know all about it," he snarled. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my the tragedy. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her lost his Christmas dinner." becomes even more simple." "'A dozen yards or so.' To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to horse could go." against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally again." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting drawing your inferences." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The asked. kindly on the shoulder. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "You have the photograph?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into go back?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper death." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking records." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Very murderous indeed." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "I don't believe it." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at comes from the middle window." occurred." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to me have 200 pounds?' characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set flock.' hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Do you go out much in society?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Get out!" said he. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips