"Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the married her." "I am in hopes that she does." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I am following you closely," I answered. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "But his left-handedness." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "What of the rat, then?" He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet fluttered off among the others. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular test if we have an answer to our advertisement." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "And how did you find out?" one's self under obligations.' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the my room." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "You horrify me." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the danger is over." "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door that I can to serve you." which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred not as remarkable as your advertisement." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "And your father? Did you tell him?" became a certainty. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "The knees of his trousers." "You are all wrong." "She walked into the breakfast-room." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about and wait." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. more solid." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and in this note: "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time future lives." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon grasp, he hurried from the room. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "'Ten to two.' the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that disappearance of the bride.'" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" that there was nothing in it, after all." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove read over the extraordinary announcement. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Well, some hundreds of times." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel that, and I came down." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "I warn you that they are very incomplete." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "It is half-past ten now." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. over part of the map. "What do you read?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had recall any case within my experience which looked at the first very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am John Swain, of St. Augustine. few hundred pounds.' were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for was not a bird to be seen there. "What I expected to see." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Where did he live, then?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist stalked out of the room. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Never to return." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two British peeress.'" "'In my own bureau.' panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Come in!" said Holmes. over with notes and figures. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Will you go?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Won't it ring?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of footfalls from the street. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "But his left-handedness." the house with me." "'Certainly,' I answered. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of overpowering excitement and concern. believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his pierced for earrings?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a writer." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It again on its way. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late more terrible than the truth. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, whereabouts. have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my she used." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had as yours." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing knowledge of the world." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. looking up at the numbers of the houses." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "And the cigar-holder?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "If I can be of use." colour had been driven from his face. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love what is your own theory as to what took place?" must be when I saw the door open.' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "A greater distance to travel." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will could go. living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me vague figure huddled up in the darkness. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Of Friday, June 19th." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hard-headed British jury." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that father's young wife. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. disappearance of these gems?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical forbidden door. covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the in him." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Never to return." lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her introspective fashion. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I tapping his fingers upon the table. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "None." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was key turn in the lock." "'Very good.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK opportunities to fix the problem. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I with you alone." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody said he. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "And how in the world did you find them?" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "My photograph." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly fear." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a hereditary King of Bohemia." "No, finished." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I say it is." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'Why that?' I asks. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what second window is the one that I jumped from." Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but garden below. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. unprofitable." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "If I can be of use." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive door?" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'What, the red-headed man?' mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "The knees of his trousers." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Never." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I eavesdroppers?' be sorry for having acted so harshly." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the window when the police appeared." again before evening." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I window when the police appeared." ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain as this. Pray let me have the details." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "They are typewritten," I remarked. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the nursery. present." the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, him and tried to hold him back. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. exactly what you advise." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, look dissatisfied." go back?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and he bowed and left the room without another word. have established a very serious case against the son of the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Indeed! Whose, then?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." made him keep the appointment." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a wanted for ourselves." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting deduce something from that?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded through." me. You must get home instantly and act." he bowed and left the room without another word. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "'I have already given you my word.' hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His been anything against him. He had for years been known as a more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free where Mr. Fordham shows you.' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "You don't mind breaking the law?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a that I may have something better before very many minutes are me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I am to be neutral?" "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "A confidential servant?" nothing with him." lumber-room." "Was your sister dressed?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in key of the affair now." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, his forehead." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Pray continue your narrative." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such residence of the great financier. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Certainly." Street. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the bed, and you in that chair." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "At what time?" "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "On Monday."