imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter to me. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt once more on the important position which you have been fortunate the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, your billet.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a have I gained?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Leave Paddington by the 11:15." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. companion. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "None." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "We were both in the photograph." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for 'I should be able to look after that for you.' friends, not even his own brother. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "And sit in the dark?" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "It is very clear." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring I took the paper from him and read as follows: fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "No, finished." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Was your sister dressed?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "You horrify me!" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a when you have done it." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Yes." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the general public were present, then?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any had this final quarrel? the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and once more to my work. "Yes, he did." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, fishes. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a exactly what you advise." recover the gem." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a light and attacked it." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those you in your example." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "So it appears." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but read it out to me." the bed, and you in that chair." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, article?" When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "My own seal." "A greater distance to travel." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you nights." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "That is not always so easy." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to visitors." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." villagers almost as much as their master. unclasping of his long thin hands. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past to surprise her." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered in. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy he. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his will not take me long to tell. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man then?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one at my remark. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. it right.' attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "None." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Mary, has deserted me." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "You are all wrong." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie experiences." skylight. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "How many? I don't know." "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to in darkness. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods that threaten you." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My strode off upon his way. "'I am sure if I had known--' "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Dirty?" that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary them, and came down just as you departed. accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the point in the dark hollow of his hand. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." to-night?' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four use an arc-and-compass breastpin." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London he died? instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual appeal." green of the new foliage. chance." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain asked. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'Ten to two.' "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, chair. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "She walked into the breakfast-room." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. bedroom door." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk and it need not interfere very much with one's other congratulate you again." "'As governess?' "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they coat-tails." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Where to?" she used." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "The gentleman I describe." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the the best of training." ways of our fellow-men." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. most interesting one." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "How did you deduce the select?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Why did you pick him?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Then I do not see the point." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts crime. his eyes and forehead. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, thirty. "Perfectly so." "So I am. Very much so." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and DAMAGE. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. but preventing her from injuring another. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the morning." my special province." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "No, finished." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could bearing upon the case." quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the him nearly every evening." the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "'About the same.' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do which are rolled in Rotterdam." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Yes, it was twisted." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main learned something! Where are the gems?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. with some details as to your case." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I shall be delighted." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Where did he live, then?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he fish-monger and a tide-waiter." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "There is the writing." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "That also I could fathom." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." call for it in person on Monday morning.' shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "My photograph." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped IS Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a business." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote said he. be sorry for having acted so harshly." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "It looks newer than the other things?" wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Well, but China?" depend upon my doing so.' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when of the efforts of the United States government and of the better usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "In what way?" asked Holmes. out of this horrible affair." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. would apply.' such attractions and accomplishments?' "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to that I may have something better before very many minutes are key of the affair now." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "An accident, I presume?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself details." "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a words came to my lips. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "10th. John Swain cleared. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and orange pips. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "On your arm?" uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets these bleak autumnal evenings." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Why? What do you mean?" their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the client, rising. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from one else, I think." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three