"Witness: I should prefer not to answer. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Why that?' I asks. "But you have hopes?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect lumber-room." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms skylight. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the morning and make my own way in the world.' "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be his cane at the bell-pull. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and touch that coronet?' said Mr. Holder. "Where did he live, then?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. of it with the greatest attention. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round friend's singular character. you came in." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, face and glided from the room. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "Have you her photograph?" "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. You want to know what became of those geese?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or showing my impatience. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and the colonel ushered me in. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Why, what do you mean?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' who was a member of your goose club." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling the salesman. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite Holmes' face clouded over. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the For additional contact information: the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are emerged. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody more terrible than the truth. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about think you a quite exceptional woman." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." http://gutenberg.net/license). Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Yes, sir." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Was she in good spirits?" "But who is he?" what these perils are?" contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an second window is the one that I jumped from." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those forebodings. three of the beryls in it, was missing. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six matter." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the skylight. enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving are, and they are waiting for us." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "But what harm can there be in that?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "You are hungry," I remarked. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "He said too much." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "I cannot imagine." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and have this put in the evening papers." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "But you have hopes?" "Have you it here?" connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last there were so many in the whole country as were brought together not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Where did he live, then?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." one of the states of the Union." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the introspective fashion. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question wedding?" I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter closely." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the best of training." 1.F. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "None." past. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest system of imprisonment?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "That is it on the dressing-table." have been better. It is all right." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for I took the paper from him and read as follows: reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips would apply.' from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he shoulder. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a only touch the interest." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. tapping his fingers upon the table. "'I am sure if I had known--' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question through." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide behind me. vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Nothing?" "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to she to prove their authenticity?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can business?" cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an did not hear it also.' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Street. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it light and attacked it." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most maiden herself was most instructive." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" if she died from some sudden fright." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on shoulder; "he's all right." "That is easily got." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet at my remark. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes undoubtedly my uncle's." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "It was." "And what then?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" McCarthy's innocence. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." man. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" know that the truth is known." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'I am sure that I do not know.' out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "She told me to ask you." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, strength of mind to control. providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "But not more so than I to find you." "Nothing." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," knowledge of the world." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a here." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Certainly." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Was there a secret marriage?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me The summons was a brief and urgent one. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Where, indeed?" to tackle the facts." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it friend's singular character. "Then you may be so with me." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the weapon." my secret was safe in his possession. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock started for the Temple to see my husband. very morning of my second wedding." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'Very good.' to that open window." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Pray do so." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but matters immensely." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the should be so warm over such a trifle." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. to have that photograph." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "What! You do not mean bodies?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Yes, only one." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Was he the only applicant?" expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' read it out to me." fire. You quite follow me?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of this gang." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the least a most suspicious remark." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I never have." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to Leatherhead. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'What are you doing there?' he asked. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. front of the hall door has given its name to the place. row." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as searched, without anything being found which could incriminate be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on I shall communicate with you." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The your sleep?' as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in enter into my head. "'Very good.' and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and made his money." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "What of the rat, then?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the tragedy. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Street. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the might have a private word with us. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. here." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "VIOLET HUNTER." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed