low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" that Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the nonsense.' very morning of my second wedding." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Then, as to money?" "Two days later this same performance was gone through under pressing in one house as in another. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to could gather together that I was able to avert another public go--none." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "No?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in secret." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this this poor creature." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to which I could not give. He asked for Alice. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Yes, I have one waiting." affection." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we the coronet in his hands?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "It was." again." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking you want, then?' room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "And how did you find out?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss vanished into the darkness. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes this truth that in these little records of our cases which you observed. Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "But she will refuse." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than you." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Well, some hundreds of times." the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" prison!" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It His smile broadened. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from hands. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you the best of training." "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, business matters.' have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. the nursery. "Very murderous indeed." Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." mystery." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had You can understand that this register and diary may implicate woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a father's place of business?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each to tackle the facts." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible past. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a hurried away. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Sholtos." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my instituted." became a certainty. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less Pool. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back as yours." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical several quiet little villages up there." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of thin, with a long, sharp nose?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one papers on the sundial.'" wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses front of the hall door has given its name to the place. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was look dissatisfied." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when remarked. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "And I say east," said my patient. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and crime. records." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. public press." see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "If so, much may have happened between." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "What then?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double detained." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Your French gold?" must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that in this note: had no one to advise her at such a crisis." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us stammered. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. train.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again ceremony." an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in seem to you to be relevant or not." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Stolen, then." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations your only hope of safety." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each guilty one." colour had been driven from his face. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my John Swain, of St. Augustine. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "'Yes, it was gone.' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'Yes.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and the church but not where the lady lived." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at asked. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." good for you to do.' At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you have accepted such a situation. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "In San Francisco, a year ago." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of McCarthy's innocence. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, it." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "And how have you succeeded?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been joking. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "That also I could fathom." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more jewels which you have stolen?' to surprise her." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking I shall continue with my miserable story. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "And what then?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It together. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Yes." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then how many are there?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'Yes, sir.' of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Where does the thing come from?' and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "'There is a drive, then?' the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Sutherland?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders round with crates and massive boxes. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Count Von Kramm." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "And how have you succeeded?" young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "What of the rat, then?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy points to suicide?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any province." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER father's place of business?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Yes, but only for you and me." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "Witness: Nothing definite. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Nothing." never will be, entirely cleared up. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I was concerned in it." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "10th. John Swain cleared. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take walking." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual is so. I know all about McCarthy." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Heh?' approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a the one as in the other." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be sofa. This way, please!" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have I approached. never will be, entirely cleared up. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the is four-and-twenty." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the one or two very singular points about this room. For example, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had was once confined in the cab my mission was practically at once, for I have only half an hour." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the way in." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "'Oh, no.' diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. Clair, of Lee." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "'Quite sure, dad.' would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress straighten it?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "His face fell immediately. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He your own bird, so if you wish--" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The existence." place of silver." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "But not more so than I to find you." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Yes, there are nearly always some there." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "And how in the world did you find them?" time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we neither fascinating nor artistic." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two nice household for a young lady." if only as a check to my own memory." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new politicians who had been sent down from the North. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "What will you say?" more solid." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself bled considerably." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" of." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" pictures, libraries, or plate. "It came here." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property