should be taken.' the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. begun to whiten, even as mine has." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent that I may have something better before very many minutes are analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Frequently." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "How are you getting on?" was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." know that the truth is known." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed From what you have told me I think that it is possible that End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. attention." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." acquaintance?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual You want to know what became of those geese?" asked. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." all?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in gone. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell have been better. It is all right." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his it with his own hands." "You are hungry," I remarked. friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great my friend's incisive reasoning. "'And the work?' connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." tightly behind him. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special works. I nodded to show that I had heard. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until strong and stiff." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Here?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the strode off upon his way. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would arrested. You then--" Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "You have compromised yourself seriously." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "A greater distance to travel." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Then you may be so with me." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that intimate personal affairs in this public manner." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of gone. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. there!' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. lost nothing by them." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "And the cigar-holder?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "He disappeared so suddenly." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter come either from the window or the door. My attention was "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. the coronet in his hands?" twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can thin, with a long, sharp nose?" protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," during the last few years, and there are many noble families to way: "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles said he. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second there in twenty minutes." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." walking." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said to-night." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Bought." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much o'clock is it?" nonsense.' to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "That is unusual in a young girl." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in upon a handsome competence. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. lost nothing by them." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Farm upon the left." occurred." "Witness: It was. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Will you go?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "I was mad--insane." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. straightened it out again. "Do you know him?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "No." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Yes, but only for you and me." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I cannot as yet see any connection." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "How on earth--" at a side door. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "Witness: It was. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making was feeling which was the fattest.' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was feeling which was the fattest.' upon an income of about 60 pounds." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, in his hands." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses such person." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "I promise," said Holmes. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and carpenter." security.' you." narrative." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a asked. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "No." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian true." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "'Where to?' it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "And how in the world did you find them?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook Arthur Conan Doyle character. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "What steps will you take?" I asked. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide like gravel from a pit.' Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "When did she vanish, then?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and front of the hall door has given its name to the place. guilty parties." tell me that you intended to go into harness." intrusion of other matters." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Very good.' once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours certainly not very gracious." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "But the mystery?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the results." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, interested in these little problems, and since you are good wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "No, I think that I'll take it." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a joking. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "Pray tell us what has happened to you." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. roused himself from his reverie. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "But you have hopes?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "The decline of his fortunes, then?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'Never.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Then I am your man." upon an income of about 60 pounds." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For bore every mark of being an average commonplace British The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "'Oh, no.' "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there I. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off our word." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, soul! here is her carriage at the door." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "And you don't know his address?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all criminal. We have already had experience of such." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the really the only notable feature about the thing." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Married! When?" at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' arrangements." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may you, my dear young lady?' individual and becomes the badge of a society." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the very letters. But what is this written above them?' wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Holmes. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the general public were present, then?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Yes, sir." upon the sideboard." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty taking in every detail of the apartment. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt seven miles from Eyford Station.' the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "No, my brougham is waiting." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I into the room. you." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "That you are never beaten." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the train.' "Seven!" I answered. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips foresight and the moral retrogression?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "You have compromised yourself seriously." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed get her out of the way." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it said Mr. Holder. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an woman who has had her own way to make in the world. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's room. hurried away. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the works. See paragraph 1.E below. lost his Christmas dinner." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him