this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Here?" "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past perplexity from it to my illustrious client. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw felt the room to be a little close.' address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it anything to do with the matter?" learned something! Where are the gems?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the Assizes." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. address. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "But he might be a bachelor." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. you." License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could forebodings. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, cost them two and thirty pounds." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. down. young Openshaw's." you." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I case before our client came into the room." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as lost his Christmas dinner." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the stable lane now." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in your only hope of safety." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, speckled band?" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Perfectly so." matters immensely." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "No, finished." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Cross for the Continent." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy photograph a cabinet?" withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "Oh, fresh and glossy." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll new duties?' looking up at the numbers of the houses." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions of a light. "In heaven's name, what for?" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and prepare for the new role I have to play." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what forecastle of an emigrant ship. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "It is very kind of you." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and looked back. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "He might." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be is four-and-twenty." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was derbies." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned she used." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I am in hopes that she does." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "A thing like a cleaver," said he. homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks papers." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Does that suggest anything?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Come in!" said he. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was me have 200 pounds?' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled heavily into it. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe hands. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a would then never go into court at all." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, fluttered off among the others. "But you can know nothing of this?" "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Where, indeed?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who nonsense.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she forecastle of an emigrant ship. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Yes." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "That is unusual in a young girl." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining remarked. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "So I have heard." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "I think that it is very probable." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey have had none more fantastic than this." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "I should like to see him very much." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a was not a bird to be seen there. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, stalked out of the room. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few speckled band?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as in him." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church gbnewby@pglaf.org 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another details should find their way into the papers. Inspector river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, I am not easy in my mind about them." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'What, the red-headed man?' and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Eh? What was that?" unprecedented a position." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from a monotonous occupation." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. how narrow had been my escape. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes pierced for earrings?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I McCarthy." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating of a light. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or someone who had been in Australia." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of retorted upon me, and I on you." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for she might be summoned. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said not, dad?" she asked. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then place of silver." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Thank you. Pray proceed." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose I shall continue with my miserable story. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Yes." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular been with you?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, I am not easy in my mind about them." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed too. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. to tell." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Witness: I must still refuse. door?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "I should like to see him very much." success. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the loss of it. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the nursery. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible his huge brown hands. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I writers could invent nothing more crude." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Imitated." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked invisible to me," I remarked. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting you." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "We were both in the photograph." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless as yours." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Literary Archive Foundation them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and than to us. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his disturbance in my wife." waste of energy." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "He is still with you, I presume?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "That is easily got." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "And your father? Did you tell him?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for but preventing her from injuring another. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She may never be exposed to such a temptation." To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'Never.' "What will you do, then?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds simple cases which are so extremely difficult." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded the side-table." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "I see many objections to any such theory." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming to that open window." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over some place of shelter and let the county police know what has indiscretion." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." what I may call a really hard day's work." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been have an American origin." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He nonsense.' very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "'Yes.' a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for question you as to those details which seem to me to be most no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the weary and pale-looking. so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "'A dozen yards or so.' the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Texas, I think." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A me have 200 pounds?' behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "But you can know nothing of this?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you