was a lad." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and writers could invent nothing more crude." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when weapon." chambers. have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question crime. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural the general public were present, then?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of McCarthy." events than those which have happened in my own family." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." October 9, 1890. she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "I should be immensely obliged to you." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic said he. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the strength of mind to control. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant away in different directions, and I went off to make my own thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you front of me. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a only touch the interest." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the was it brought him the coronet? observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "What will you do, then?" it." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'Entirely.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just hair?' and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. way in." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who fattened it expressly for you.' to-morrow." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "It was a confession," I ejaculated. against a man in the prime of life?" when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to giving me time to thank him. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And the cigar-holder?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Well, some hundreds of times." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "I am armed." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "You forget that I know nothing about it." "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off imbecility!" he cried. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate plantation.' "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my a little more before I quite committed myself. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while all?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a wanted for ourselves." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, writing, and yet I know it well." "I will try. What is it?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind presented more singular features than that which was associated justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a what these perils are?" and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used footfalls from the street. "Yes, I have one waiting." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin paper in the air. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "If so, much may have happened between." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback McCarthy's innocence. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there to-night?" I asked. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I business at Coburg Square is serious." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the girl said." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a himself in a perplexing position. of your young ladies.' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of details." For additional contact information: "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Yes, all." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "What office?" gives a meaning to it." went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Pope's Court. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "I do." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. leave you to your papers for a little." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be of it with the greatest attention. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the which we had just quitted. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round tell him that I know him to be innocent." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had chamber." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'I have already given you my word.' went to the Alpha were town bred." which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Holmes. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "You have carte blanche." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the matter." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion and it need not interfere very much with one's other "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the What do you deduce from it?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Precisely." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the in his power. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all acquaintance?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "I am in hopes that she does." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Did you become engaged then?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something gone. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "And Miss Sutherland?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. may have an influence upon European history." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Who was the criminal, then?" father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as prepare for the new role I have to play." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of as yours." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the side-table." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between undoubtedly my uncle's." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Certainly." I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what what these perils are?" discontent upon his features. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Pray be precise as to details," said he. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable less than 26s. 4d. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "And it is--" tail." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Yes." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which singular points about the case. What did the police think of the by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to your most interesting statement." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Quite sure, dad.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, neither fascinating nor artistic." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the experiences." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, tell them apart.' the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I neither fascinating nor artistic." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "Yes." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. pictures, libraries, or plate. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "He is still with you, I presume?" tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "You have the photograph?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Well, it is a possible supposition." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "Yes, sir." know what is wrong with it.' "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of promised to bring home. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Precisely." mystery." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I companion. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I do." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it is," said he presently: Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "You have carte blanche." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "And the murderer?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was may never be exposed to such a temptation." month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Holmes. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, suspect him." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'What then?' I asked. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was keenly on my guard against him. Holmes. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, your room." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, upon the white wrist. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers has little to do with my story." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "What can you not understand?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "No, distinctly professional." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him your bag." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up nights." out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the window, rose as we entered. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "I should be immensely obliged to you." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "And how did you verify them?" your only hope of safety." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Well, but China?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "We must sit without light. He would see it through the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Get out!" said he. was already answered. directors, with the result that you have seen." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built husband's writing, madam." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold acted in my house last night?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "'You doubt its value?' he asked. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'Where could I find him?' looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a