"Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down information in his hands the value of which he did not himself though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of will be renamed. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "You did not overhear what they said?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the character. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so this poor creature." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' footfalls from the street. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "And how have you succeeded?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the sound at heart." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "'I have heard so.' last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Where, then?" "He is still with you, I presume?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "The Cedars?" "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "But she could not love him." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Deserted you?" me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the comes from the middle window." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I one else, I think." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with Chief Executive and Director devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a could go. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Game for a morning drive?" lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Then I am your man." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was signal between you and your father? events, Mr. Windibank!" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the as this. Pray let me have the details." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. you?' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham hard-headed British jury." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a province." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for washing it down with a long draught of water. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Did he not advertise?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is call it cruel." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Yes, there are nearly always some there." him to go away.' "You horrify me." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "And for present expenses?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Yes." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "He said too much." security.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some weapon." bachelor.' this Miss Turner." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "A call for help, you thought?" himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if discontent upon his features. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a acquaintance?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your this unhappy family?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith said Mr. Holder. this poor creature." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left business." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for to his chemical studies. "Quite so. She has her freedom." "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I it." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. green of the new foliage. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still your co-operation." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a as he folded up the epistle. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Game for a morning drive?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'Very good.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress as he folded up the epistle. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have which are rolled in Rotterdam." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like bled considerably." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. drove away. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." your co-operation." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened recover the gem." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "He disappeared so suddenly." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely Lee, in the county of Kent." without a word or a look. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to stalked out of the room. Watson," he said cordially. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "And sit in the dark?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "You did not overhear what they said?" "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. kind enough to tell me what I should do." washing it down with a long draught of water. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our vault. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hour." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Always." "That is not always so easy." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? touch that coronet?' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "What do you mean?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector in your London, you will know that the office of the company is sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I would pay ten." desk. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I say that I have solved it." wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'What would be the hours?' I asked. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not did not hear it also.' States. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. eat it." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small results." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only delirious. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms call you and give you the chance." your billet.' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' in a friendly supper." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Why? What do you mean?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body hurried by. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "In San Francisco, a year ago." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, appointment with me for six o'clock?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of has little to do with my story." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted it." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in wedding?" "Then what has happened to him?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "If I can be of use." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "He said that you could solve anything." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to The events in question occurred in the early days of my your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our acquaintance?" "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I Sholtos." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Yes." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore was used.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "I shall most certainly do so." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The developed." the coronet in his hand?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "By no means." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He and looked back. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Stolen." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. as he remarks, very much against the son." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he business in the City. She little knew what. will not take me long to tell. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation that you can jump it.' How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "And help." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four married her." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. one of them."