"Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you possible that we could bring him back to her? "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other right! Sit down and let us talk it over." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his house for five minutes.' "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the conduct the inquiry." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, then?" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "But she will refuse." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Were they all fastened this morning?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my I shall continue with my miserable story. "Yes." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very anything to a woman, for she would have her way." tightly behind him. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" done what I asked you, Jones?" question," said Holmes, smiling. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone gone. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his three fields round his house, and there he would take his fishes. know what is wrong with it.' time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my not interfere, come what may. You understand?" woman." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "It looks newer than the other things?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in started for the Temple to see my husband. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "I would pay ten." as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition away to you." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "In heaven's name, what for?" "A call for help, you thought?" years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of The King stared at him in amazement. "What! Had he lost his wife?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. redistribution. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring in the dead of the night?' probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "But you can know nothing of this?" awaited us upon the table. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for not use it unless it is absolutely needed." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips What do you deduce from it?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "No, but the enclosure is." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm placed his cuttings. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you fait accompli?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as questioning and rather startled gaze. matter over." good for you to do.' truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The important." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the other means.' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Surrey." "'It is locked up,' I answered. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Is he quiet?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but him to be an active member of the medical profession." at once, for I have only half an hour." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "You will not go there first?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "'You doubt its value?' he asked. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing least a most suspicious remark." south, for the country is more deserted there." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of that you wished to speak to me?' one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small in my life." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "'Yes, I promise.' "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the of it with the greatest attention. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell a very grave face. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the returning from some small jollification and was making his way "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just salesman. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. astonishment. opened the door, and slipped through. back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told said I. "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "What have you to say now?" swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses memory. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "But how did you gain them?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at "It is to him that this trophy belongs." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day of the efforts of the United States government and of the better anything to do with the matter?" whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two that you saw all that I did." "Nothing." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "How do you know, then?" hand, madam?" those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "I have solved it." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was power." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who interested in these little problems, and since you are good hard-headed British jury." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Has he come with you to-night?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings fluttered off among the others. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he once more. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the strode off upon his way. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will British peeress.'" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "Entirely." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "Yes, certainly." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the inner apartment." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and returned to France?" about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Nearly eleven." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "It is a murder, then?" "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him events than those which have happened in my own family." brandy and water within his reach. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has prepare for the new role I have to play." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is mysterious business." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her strong and stiff." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, maiden herself was most instructive." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person awkward doing business with an alias." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else along the entire front of the house, with three long windows It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still before the coroner and the police-court." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Now, then, what's the last entry?" centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he have had none more fantastic than this." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered DISSOLVED. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a Doctor, of the paper and the date." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I Miss Holder?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "How can you tell that?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the house with me." already been minutely examined." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you annoyance, but no jest. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one I approached. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'How far from the body?' you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his villagers almost as much as their master. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry bird of prey. "What is it?" the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary hour?' "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a I think that I could be of assistance to you." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man annoyance, but no jest. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently both be extremely obliged.' concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which awkward doing business with an alias." "No good news?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "What office?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at not within a twentieth part of the market price." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "Certainly." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not for securing the situation." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your power." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its business came to an end." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Certainly." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, at my own good fortune. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save as noiselessly as she had come. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I have my revolver," said I. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. prison!" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. our word." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Surrey." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I promise," said Holmes. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" man. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. face and glided from the room. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." this Miss Turner." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which