"'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the salesman. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a It was close upon four before the door opened, and a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it never will be, entirely cleared up. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not least a most suspicious remark." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that DAMAGE. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its simple cases which are so extremely difficult." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk photograph?" the driver. "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon criminal. We have already had experience of such." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." highly," said Holmes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "A greater distance to travel." "Come in!" said he. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. is now desirous of getting those letters back." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "I came to find a friend." "I cannot tell." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the was a perfect sample of the class. morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "I say it is." married her." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its of the vacancies.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Most admirably.' turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the get the tickets." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little there when the Rucastles went away." returned to France?" where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "No, I had a dozen." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "And how did you find out?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in some water from a caraffe. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I 1.F. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'Yes, sir.' this poor creature." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call been deceived." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon present strange and interesting features that it is no easy interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. client, rising. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Certainly." train.' Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop said he. dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Yes?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' how narrow had been my escape. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and man. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to there when the Rucastles went away." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Yes, they were peculiar boots." was a loud and authoritative tap. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all window when the police appeared." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "And help." purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Ah!" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "How do you know, then?" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's been with you?" I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is possible that we could bring him back to her? entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler might help us?" head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which attention." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced which it had come upon my father." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, sufficient punishment." a room. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my Again Holmes raved in the air. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, London for the present?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." views." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Nothing." "I will get her to show me." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and effective." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to served to weaken the effect. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Very truly yours, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers she used." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Stoke Moran?" said he. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one away into the river." "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have despair." "Have you it here?" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I have seen the police." "It is his hat." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Certainly." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just or in danger--" was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of carried out of court." in a friendly supper." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Was the window open?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "'Yes.' I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "What I expected to see." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by relation between them, and what the object of his repeated leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given rose-bushes. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited know that the truth is known." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'You doubt its value?' he asked. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how morning." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "The best possible." "I have my revolver," said I. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to must be when I saw the door open.' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me head. So long, then!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'As governess?' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "Game for a morning drive?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him problems help me to do so." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be in this note: by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from and that he would see to anything that turned up. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William grasp, he hurried from the room. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding indeed which he could not unravel. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We voice, changing her seat as requested. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Holmes rather sternly. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Yes, it would be as well." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they interests were the same as his." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. out of this horrible affair." careless servant girl?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at call the police, let the police find what they can.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, himself in a perplexing position. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "My stepfather's business papers." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "'Certainly,' I answered. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our back alive. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect redistribution. towards the blaze. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." night.' said he. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well you give your casting vote to?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the through." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I have my revolver," said I. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a trying to your nerves." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "By train from Waterloo." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way Where does the thing come from?' do.' I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I McCarthy." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be waste of energy." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, you came in." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove weary and pale-looking. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a his face. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed present." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "'What, the red-headed man?' a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, has little to do with my story." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "But what harm can there be in that?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "What can you not understand?" and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass young Openshaw's." "Why serious?" "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "That sounds a little paradoxical." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who wedding?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." 1.F. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Your French gold?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the to that open window." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and wait." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "It must be recovered." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?'