"It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." sooner or later she must fall a victim. my room." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are eat it." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in some city in a dream. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "One of the highest in England." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Mary, has deserted me." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low be. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. would then never go into court at all." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Nearly eleven." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not your billet.' said I. of this gang." nice household for a young lady." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman who was a member of your goose club." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business upon the white wrist. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they never came back." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I say that I have solved it." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was to have that photograph." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble despair." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will assist you in forming an opinion." carpenter." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards had picked up in the wood. have accepted such a situation. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." McCarthy's innocence. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold bonnet, and went out." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "And who is her maid?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice American. Then who could this American be, and why should he girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Was he the only applicant?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of it with the greatest attention. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that minor matters until to-morrow." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Does that suggest anything?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, the address that was given us in the advertisement. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one out." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All the very morning of the wedding." several quiet little villages up there." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "My last client of the sort was a king." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "That was it, sir." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his learned something! Where are the gems?" not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor to change my dress. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Only as much as we can deduce." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. will be renamed. the south-west, I see." "My Mary? Impossible!" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with country, and eventually married, without anyone having a one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a to have been novel and of interest." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a roused himself from his reverie. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his it." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me unprofitable." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general in this way: the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the any little problem which you may submit to me." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not writer." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the salesman. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "Your sister is dead, then?" father's place of business?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. away into the river." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. coat-tails." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage them present such singular features as the strange train of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "Yes." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in existence." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by him to be an active member of the medical profession." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "Precisely." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after him. Miss Holder?" by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." congenial hunt. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than place, I think that there is good ground to think that the gone before you can get him to hospital." "Certainly." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the suddenly upon us." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No legal papers or certificates?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "Witness: Nothing definite. me." affair. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I am in hopes that she does." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round beyond words. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Chief Executive and Director late." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" existence." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little better in every way that they should make their position a little blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and you." his face. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Pray do so." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir hour?' I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a behind me. "In answer to an advertisement." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the beg that you will break it off." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, did not hear it also.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "The rest you will leave in our hands." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the to-night's adventure." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Have you her photograph?" hard-headed British jury." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who there was no need for father to know." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "You think that he is dead?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Not social, then?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Pope's Court. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." six. Come in!" *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and The summons was a brief and urgent one. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of My friend smiled. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney man. "Precisely." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been one else, I think." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Come in!" said he. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some a few minutes he said that it would be all right. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. see me here to avoid scandal." Holmes. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and may never be exposed to such a temptation." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the notes," he said. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Where did you address your letters, then?" well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I will take you up to see the machine.' nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! she has been waylaid. There has been no result." conceal it?" "Never." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of until night should bring an explanation. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Farm upon the left." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. conceal it?" nights." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "But the mystery?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are fat-encircled eyes. room had already been engaged for us. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Can I be of assistance?" papers on the sundial.'" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Not him." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "No, distinctly professional." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a been shamefully used." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm you." assist you in forming an opinion." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the had this final quarrel? over part of the map. "What do you read?" concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." and no precautions can guard against." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to a monotonous occupation." have an American origin." the inquest, and which are worth considering." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "Was she in good spirits?" and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" know that the truth is known." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "It is true that I have been generally successful." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It certainly sounds feasible." upon an income of about 60 pounds." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "Then I shall certainly come." occupations.' afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near sufficient punishment." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most have I gained?" my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Will you go?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate