words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "It is possible." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and daring than any effort of the imagination." my former friend and companion. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "At the wedding breakfast." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his attention." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide that?' it." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "I see many objections to any such theory." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your British peeress.'" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "An accident, I presume?" have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "Witness: Nothing definite. "I see no marks." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the companion imperturbably. "Not yet." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "We have tried and failed." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, DAMAGE. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day used to be." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance or in danger--" "Who by?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at events than those which have happened in my own family." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an death." at once, for I have only half an hour." "My last client of the sort was a king." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. heavily into it. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Can I be of assistance?" flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend highly," said Holmes. the date of his supposed suicide." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the success. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a where we are going." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and jewels which you have stolen?' though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a enter Dr. Roylott's room." contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid cigars in the box." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single who was a member of your goose club." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Foundation "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens IS who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand you give your casting vote to?" the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that sake, don't!" "Yes." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "At what time?" could go. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near that?' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." you." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious like that before?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I papers on the sundial.'" "Witness: Nothing definite. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Two days later this same performance was gone through under instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Lestrade of Scotland Yard." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go I approached. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Your sister is dead, then?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in becomes even more simple." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the the morning and make my own way in the world.' "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Was the window open?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See mysterious end." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Very much so." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And sit in the dark?" "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the father's young wife. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "I say that I have solved it." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons the tragedy. had picked up in the wood. "'Very good.' "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached green of the new foliage. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "I think it very unlikely." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy what is your own theory as to what took place?" "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "That is easily got." you do it in twenty minutes!' say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant shaken than I had ever seen him. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, villagers almost as much as their master. bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the devil!" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "I would pay ten." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Sutherland?" be best to do. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the wedding?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That third from London." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty waste of energy." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at learned something! Where are the gems?" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the easy-going way." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." with frightened eyes at his accuser. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." have one." "Was the window open?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "She walked into the breakfast-room." acquaintance?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert became a certainty. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest nice household for a young lady." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it third from London." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end me. You must get home instantly and act." man. "None." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. morning." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Have you good authority for what you say?" through." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon at home. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And why in hopes?" know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in whole matter to your consideration." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." fire. You quite follow me?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "It's nothing of the kind." the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary cigars in the box." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the night.' "The decline of his fortunes, then?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, purpose equally well?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave nothing of it?" master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I kind enough to tell me what I should do." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek spark where all is dark to me." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as wedding?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I say it is." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding allusion to a rat. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an hardly wander." "On Monday." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "How about poison?" with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "So I heard. You have him here?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Ample.' the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." said I. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Not him." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Yes." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "'I have already given you my word.' "'Why that?' I asks. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then It may be so in this case, also." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of clang of the bell. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "You know me, then?" "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Thank you. And your address?" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would ordinary clothes on?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At think that he is innocent?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in yourselves in at night?" cost them two and thirty pounds." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than appeared upon the scene." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to constraint." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a weighed down with some great anxiety. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Yes." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small up this clue while it is still hot." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, DAMAGE. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this McCarthy." most interesting one." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter bonnet, and went out." "BALLARAT." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Is purely nominal.' figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that to that open window." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him and the whole place is in a blaze." "This photograph!" fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Precisely so. But how--" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "And did you observe any change in her then?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. stood on the top of it. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion.