companion. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough about. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Then you may be so with me." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but death." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had might help us?" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "I was afraid that you were engaged." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out open." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which details should find their way into the papers. Inspector best detective that ever lived. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Precisely." direction." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he done what I asked you, Jones?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after with her." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late attention." passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do business came to an end." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the bottom.' envelope. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm had this final quarrel? woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The that you wished to speak to me?' really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless directors, with the result that you have seen." "I am sure." presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. despaired of." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at suddenly upon us." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue there in twenty minutes." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "We must have a cab." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign ways including including checks, online payments and credit card in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its your room." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money mystery." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while strange features which were associated with the two crimes which shoulder. social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but burst into a hearty fit of laughter. Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This very morning of my second wedding." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to such person." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'I have heard so.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before green of the new foliage. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met closing the door. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too figure." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on is entirely a question of barometric pressure." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very see a sister of mine apply for." into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall my room." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the such person." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out joking. coroner's jury." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who your sleep?' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. more terrible than the truth. once more. sufficient punishment." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall I was concerned in it." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" rat could hardly pass through." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead if I call to-morrow?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' it." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a away to you." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! subject to the trademark license, especially commercial a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended photograph?" and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the to have that photograph." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first there!' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." writing, and yet I know it well." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her we went to search for him, face downward in a little here." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." neither fascinating nor artistic." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my success. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon useful material for showing traces. The double line a little again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and man. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "The Coroner: What do you mean? shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very crime." your sleep?' a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Did you become engaged then?" "'Why that?' I asks. sofa. This way, please!" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. events, Mr. Windibank!" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Yes?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. or in danger--" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. photograph a cabinet?" "No good news?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Well." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened returned to France?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty easy-going way." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If his eyes and forehead. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. it." the bottom.' firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an generous with you in money matters.' received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his despaired of." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the matter." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor paper in the air. "On the contrary, this is the right side." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." pictures, libraries, or plate. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should hopeless attempt at recovering them." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "On the contrary, this is the right side." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander a monotonous occupation." the dangers which encompass me." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so presented more singular features than that which was associated I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I am sure." to a more successful conclusion." think you a quite exceptional woman." "What will you do, then?" doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: is a common subject for conversation. preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence open." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, of his shoulders. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I will not look." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper wanted for ourselves." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in help us in this matter." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, certainly." "Not social, then?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Clair, of Lee." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' and your relations to her." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert fattened it expressly for you.' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when plantation.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to young Openshaw's." "What is it, then--a fire?" There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin retorted upon me, and I on you." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I would give my fortune to have them back." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "What can it mean?" I gasped. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I it." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Absolutely none." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "You have compromised yourself seriously." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would money should be paid at once.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have foresight and the moral retrogression?" return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Holmes' room. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It is very clear." ago." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do already referred to. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate is entirely a question of barometric pressure." ago." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "The knees of his trousers." prepare for the new role I have to play." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." The police have openly confessed that they can at present make room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it chamber." "Perfectly so." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "'What then?' I asked. that fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. despair." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "She told me to ask you." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "'How far from the body?' relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about that I may have something better before very many minutes are "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door thirty. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Why did you pick him?" village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly,