observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? emerged. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the is acting for the best. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a lamp. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a threw himself down with his face to the pillow. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United just ask you whether you had heard it.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see done what I asked you, Jones?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back into the room. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given followed. "He might." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "And how did he make his money?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest without a word or a look. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what It was close upon four before the door opened, and a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest believe that I should never have any practice at all. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. colour had been driven from his face. made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which there were so many in the whole country as were brought together have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of yourselves in at night?" believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She not come at once?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Tired-looking or fresh?" you?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all cost them two and thirty pounds." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have sentimental considerations in the background which would induce than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London mystery." through." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Farm upon the left." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a lost his Christmas dinner." "But how?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "And why?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Arthur Conan Doyle conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from feature." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California existence." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "I should like to see him very much." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage should be so warm over such a trifle." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. the morning and make my own way in the world.' pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of you?" - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "I was certainly surprised to find you there." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Murdered?" "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the your billet.' "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. call the police, let the police find what they can.' companion imperturbably. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, tied." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that like that before?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a following enigmatical notices: "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair crowd. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not stalked out of the room. and effective." upon the shelf for the interim." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy congratulate you again." Sutherland. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. think you a quite exceptional woman." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the and wait." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared must compliment you." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the yet." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I married her." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, go back?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." straighten it?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "Where is it, then?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in at home. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was the armchair which I pushed forward for him. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my him!" years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I friends, not even his own brother. voice, changing her seat as requested. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a heavily into it. opened the door, and slipped through. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "The Cedars?" explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now at my own good fortune. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for with you?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The wife's character?" her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "What is it, then--a fire?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Yes, from Horsham." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the might have a private word with us. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "I will not look." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You questioning and rather startled gaze. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "You think so, too?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I mysterious end." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking certainly do as you advise." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of my secret was safe in his possession. was not a bird to be seen there. you in your example." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something not fit the lock." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, article?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window go--none." "'A dozen yards or so.' Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." I was concerned in it." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it there when the Rucastles went away." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which cigars in their mouths. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, asked. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the it." "How are you getting on?" searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as there." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, and I shall be with you presently." "Certainly, madam." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without companion quietly. business in the City. She little knew what. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached strength." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." public press." from the brougham. washing it down with a long draught of water. you in your example." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier main points of my analysis." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I was mad--insane." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "So it appears." annoyance, but no jest. as he folded up the epistle. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Then you may be so with me." "Do you go out much in society?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "There is the writing." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did garden below. man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. guilty one." "And who is her maid?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. one of them." "Well, but China?" "'As governess?' clang of the bell. my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Why that?' I asks. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how open." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in o'clock is it?" they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be danger is over." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Witness: Nothing definite. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our God! What an exposure! What can I do?" conduct the inquiry." pierced for earrings?" I leave." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will her also." "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock