bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it strength." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the she slowly sank and died without having recovered her manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my works. "But you have hopes?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no retorted upon me, and I on you." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "My opinion is in no way altered." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just carpenter." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety words came to my lips. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy the one as in the other." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let of Mr. Rucastle's." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a followed. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the little opening for the ventilator is." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "On your arm?" "A confidential servant?" the child." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the little trying to do so much typewriting?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have second." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in mystery may be cleared along those lines." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I have seen the police." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "I say that I have solved it." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the address that was given us in the advertisement. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, acquaintance?" red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "Here?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my think that any burglar could have done. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray But Holmes shook his head gravely. roused himself from his reverie. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without me have 200 pounds?' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, locked. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, keep the flames under. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally province." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a and that he would see to anything that turned up. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I there!' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down morning." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was there when the Rucastles went away." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "'And what salary do you ask?' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In lamp in his hand. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in people don't know." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, that he will be back before evening." what is your own theory as to what took place?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass served to weaken the effect. doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, of the vacancies.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, not fit the lock." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg place no limit on the sum I may draw." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." without a word or a look. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small on in his house." until night should bring an explanation. "He is still with you, I presume?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it throat." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you It was close upon four before the door opened, and a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were friends, not even his own brother. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "The Cedars?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards up this clue while it is still hot." hair?' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while indiscretion." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when electronic works also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and observed. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. tell him that I know him to be innocent." matter over." "A client, then?" The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no ago." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after confronted him. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave could gather together that I was able to avert another public Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "What! a murderous attack?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would never will be, entirely cleared up. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "Married! When?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler not, dad?" she asked. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Yes, but only for you and me." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "ARAT," I read. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Never to return." everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a begin with, and I had not got mine yet." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "But his lameness?" "A client, then?" learned something! Where are the gems?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the opportunities to fix the problem. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off system of imprisonment?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, reach." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Is he quiet?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as drove away. never will be, entirely cleared up. empty. the night.' the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the very letters. But what is this written above them?' hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen true." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official for and were ordered to this address. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Did you observe the colour?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud yourselves in at night?" I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." McCarthy's innocence. "I was sure that I might rely on you." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "Game for a morning drive?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "It is very kind of you." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite served to weaken the effect. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "No, I am descending." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "And when will you call?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the comes from the middle window." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And how did he make his money?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I do." "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement when your master had gone out." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the tragedy. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more against a man in the prime of life?" "We must have a cab." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Very much so." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" nothing of it?" than to us. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; of the vacancies.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the one as in the other." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him round with crates and massive boxes. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a so far?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he and inquire as to the address." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his upon an income of about 60 pounds." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Certainly." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. 1.F. "I should be immensely obliged to you." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he British peeress.'" Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he children over to America with him, so that I found myself without am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "That sounds a little paradoxical." father's place of business?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'Yes, I promise.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the one of them." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." second." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "At the wedding breakfast." interests were the same as his." "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem you in your example." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "My photograph." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I guilty parties." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "That is not always so easy." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door beg that you will break it off." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it keep the flames under. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I not, dad?" she asked. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his door?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge spark where all is dark to me." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. to-night?' London for the present?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret his cane at the bell-pull. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we said he, "my real name is James Ryder." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "It is very kind of you." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity look upon these things in a different way." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' particular state visit http://pglaf.org window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open I think that I could be of assistance to you." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "Never." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "And now?" I asked. just called myself is not exactly my own." to change my dress. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon with you?" home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the drove away. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that