"Oh, yes, easily." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Gutenberg-tm License. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the ventilator." stalked out of the room. crime." "Why serious?" the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "Married! When?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of strength." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'You cannot say what it was?' "How about poison?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was an introduction to him?" accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the in the hope of finding them." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Very much so." drove away. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get anything to do with the matter?" "A thing like a cleaver," said he. into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad papers diligently of late, have you not?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "And now?" I asked. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of foot. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I am about to be married." "And why?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "None. Neville wrote those words." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "But what will you do?" bachelor.' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." strength." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "9th. McCauley cleared. him to go away.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "It is to him that this trophy belongs." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. to talk it over. across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Texas, I think." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a interests were the same as his." visitors." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. any little problem which you may submit to me." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And that is--" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice opportunities to fix the problem. "None." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Has he come with you to-night?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "To an end?" all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both all-comprehensive glances. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." maid will bring up your coffee." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Pray continue your narrative." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "I will, Miss Turner." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the inner apartment." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I shall communicate with you." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil outside. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the has little to do with my story." locked." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were was a loud and authoritative tap. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "BALLARAT." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand during which he might have communicated with his friend the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much The events in question occurred in the early days of my upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips generous with you in money matters.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Countess of Morcar's?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "I cannot tell." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The despaired of." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "How did you trace it, then?" have been better. It is all right." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I think it very unlikely." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the few hundred pounds.' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of to surprise her." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the will be renamed. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the date of his supposed suicide." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "I fear not." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a narrative." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "To an end?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked murdered man." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be be there in time for your coming." Henry Baker is a member." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I absorbing." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "What then?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Then, how do you know?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Why serious?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can is," said he presently: her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "What then?" heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a danger is over." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an man. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "I will get her to show me." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "And Irene Adler?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the station." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. what I may call a really hard day's work." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her note?" "And how did you verify them?" "From his hat?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs present." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "Then you may be so with me." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the there was no need for father to know." "Certainly." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora vault. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he to a more successful conclusion." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "What will you say?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the works. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler together. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "An enemy?" The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. or other trace. But how on earth--" depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Holmes, the busybody!" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not certainly do as you advise." deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "Your sister is dead, then?" read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a discontent upon his features. which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." round and wave him away like that.' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man the morning and make my own way in the world.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "'About the same.' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can little trying to do so much typewriting?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." occurred." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the stable lane now." a room. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize know all about it," he snarled. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the purpose equally well?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, cigar and let me expound." to-night's adventure." "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Do you know him?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "No." "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up questionable one." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "You think that he is dead?" villagers almost as much as their master. events than those which have happened in my own family." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "I am sure." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders dear old homesteads?" or in danger--" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have have an American origin." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a envelope. to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are recall any case within my experience which looked at the first convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "And the murderer?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed noting anything else of interest. I leave." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, or other trace. But how on earth--" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever to surprise her." "What will you say?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I fear." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her him, that man would not have given me such complete information Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into read over the extraordinary announcement. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at have an American origin." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "I will get her to show me." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. my friend's incisive reasoning. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently weigh very heavily upon my conscience." not personally threatened." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as imbecility!" he cried. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" heavily into it. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, gigantic client. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter golden eyeglasses. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and inquire as to the address." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from new acquaintance to Baker Street. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and