"Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew peculiar to him. the general public were present, then?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Henry Baker is a member." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. do." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be a very grave face. I am not easy in my mind about them." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "And the cigar-holder?" "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." views." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should silent! Oh, he will be silent!' some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "You are all wrong." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole my special province." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Never to return." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I I think that I could be of assistance to you." "It is solved." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary if only as a check to my own memory." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I warn you that they are very incomplete." and I shall be with you presently." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an to surprise her." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no you came in." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking strength." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the suspect him." the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She any little problem which you may submit to me." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'Quite sure, dad.' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst strong reason behind." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Very murderous indeed." of Fenchurch Street." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "Ah, but I was recommended to you." charge against him will break down." you." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and at my own good fortune. was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the ceiling. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "No, I had a dozen." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere o'clock is it?" naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a think that he is innocent?" "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one been with you?" case before our client came into the room." and your relations to her." There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector your room." "What have you to say now?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into most important business. It is probable that he will be away all persecution?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. really the only notable feature about the thing." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By detained." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with charged with?" to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Holmes' face clouded over. "Bought." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "How often?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in late." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his fat-encircled eyes. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "It is true that I have been generally successful." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my brought there to personate someone, and the real person is wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my better grown goose." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking least a fellow-countryman. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and in the dead of the night?' crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we him to be an active member of the medical profession." "But how will you look?" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed vault. "And you can do nothing until then?" "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "In San Francisco, a year ago." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any look dissatisfied." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "One of the highest in England." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the where we are going." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to-night?" I asked. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "A call for help, you thought?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a south, for the country is more deserted there." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck ordinary clothes on?" hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap Arthur Conan Doyle have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was call for protection in the marriage market, for the present pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' our word." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Which are?" "And is that all?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Here?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are detained." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "Your French gold?" article?" I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in hour." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal and inquire as to the address." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open there has been an enclosure here!" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings before the coroner and the police-court." of Fenchurch Street." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "'Is purely nominal.' a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "And it is--" "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I should wish to." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "An accident, I presume?" But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Well, but China?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations trifles." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new salesman. them?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the obstinate." some terrible trap for her." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. companion. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond unprofitable." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Never.' "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "Now, then, what's the last entry?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the go from here to the Strand." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I fear." "Texas, I think." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather and have this put in the evening papers." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable you found me to-night--and running through the front room she ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that had this final quarrel? of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Always." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "It must be recovered." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the chambers. "'Which dealer's?' an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "The rest you will leave in our hands." that he has suffered." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Do you go out much in society?" seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Two days later this same performance was gone through under houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him little adventures." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "I saw her in conversation with her maid." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, success. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her nonsense.' are, I think, all that we need." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his closing the door. "What do you mean?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Then, as to money?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own fait accompli?" turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune careless servant girl?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much opportunities to fix the problem. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell down in his armchair and closing his eyes. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. remarked. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper was keenly on my guard against him. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On within hail.' "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over of the one which your family is now devouring." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "It certainly sounds feasible." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "But what will you do?" "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "And now?" He raised his hand. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "No." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, girl said." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "It looks newer than the other things?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through this man was intellectual?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "It is to him that this trophy belongs." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "One?" front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Then you may be so with me." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I was mad--insane." that, and I came down." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my strength of mind to control. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the interest. They are important, you understand, without being When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave McCarthy." to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the