once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own me. You must get home instantly and act." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." felt the room to be a little close.' "Not him." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to my room." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Pray let us have it, for all that." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return friend's singular character. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "How did that help you?" convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it both be extremely obliged.' ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in this unhappy family?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I fear not." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled guilty one." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came became a certainty. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "'About the same.' ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in this note: Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to guilty one." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should burst into a hearty fit of laughter. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end meant." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Then the page we have seen--" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of experiences." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and morning." help us in this matter." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." vanished into the darkness. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "ARAT," I read. "Yes?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. just ask you whether you had heard it.' God! What an exposure! What can I do?" violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white been." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the warnings." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." introspective fashion. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "I cannot tell." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage Munro.' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. fact, we may call it conclusive." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea he died? he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." you?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "From his hat?" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and next day. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Will you go?" near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by nice household for a young lady." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." fled together." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips case-book, which he consulted. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Certainly." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "But I have heard all that you have heard." the running down." "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded exactly what you advise." recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say strode off upon his way. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the kindly on the shoulder. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your whereabouts. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "What, then?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "And I." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault approach us with offers to donate. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'And the work?' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "What of the rat, then?" "What can you not understand?" "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the companion imperturbably. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I am all attention, madam." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the not personally threatened." "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "What then?" closing the door. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And that is--" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the his huge brown hands. given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' directly by questioning you." becomes even more simple." woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Perhaps I have." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Not particularly." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the nursery. Eyford." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do think you a quite exceptional woman." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the go--none." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign But Holmes shook his head gravely. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have considering the formidable letters which were received by himself fatally injured? brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back His name is Francis Prosper." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached weighed down with some great anxiety. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly chance." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had even of instruction." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to me what he had done with the three missing stones. "'Oh, no.' our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, written. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with definite end. "Not particularly." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and situation." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the new duties?' half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon meant." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its woman." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not the coronet at all injured?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "An enemy?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a towards the blaze. "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Yes." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he followed. is," said he presently: despair." any." better in every way that they should make their position a little King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "But how?" I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will opportunities to fix the problem. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "One of the highest in England." figure." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Breckinridge is his name." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all which was all perfectly true. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "It is very kind of you." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I kindly on the shoulder. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any pictures, libraries, or plate. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his even so self-evident a thing as that." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" the loss of it. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and closely." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." strong reason behind." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "'What would be the hours?' I asked. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a absorbing." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "What can it mean?" I gasped. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case best detective that ever lived. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "'Certainly not.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. crime." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "It is possible." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his purpose of examination. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Not I." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination morning." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that think that he is innocent?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled works. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. are, I think, all that we need." as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. you for a few hours?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Nothing." politicians who had been sent down from the North. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over and the church but not where the lady lived." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." into the room. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Not in a good cause." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or existence." pictures, libraries, or plate. Edgeware Road. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "But it has twice been burgled." "When did it break out?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "In what way?" asked Holmes. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You think that he is dead?" "I cannot imagine." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'It is locked up,' I answered. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door I have it here in my museum." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal