presume?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney of receipt of the work. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Mrs. Toller serenely. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "I have a cab outside." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to Leatherhead. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. following enigmatical notices: beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so you in yours." seven miles from Eyford Station.' into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I have come for advice." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "What steps will you take?" I asked. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "'How far from the body?' your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have figure." their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Henry Baker is a member." husband's writing, madam." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very that there was nothing in it, after all." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the eat it." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "The doctor?" attention." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in that the gas is not laid on in his house?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very that he has suffered." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "It is true that I have been generally successful." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I meant it for the best. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he bell. Holmes whistled. investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It certainly sounds feasible." may never be exposed to such a temptation." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that think, you have already met." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 round and wave him away like that.' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "9th. McCauley cleared. cheerful." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' Holmes." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "No legal papers or certificates?" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Yes?" me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he will take you up to see the machine.' place, I think that there is good ground to think that the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see this remarkable episode. "It certainly sounds feasible." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to there!' between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and if only as a check to my own memory." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Stoke Moran." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I stalked out of the room. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my secret." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could John Swain, of St. Augustine. is acting for the best. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the away into the river." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey rooms." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport with you alone." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he will be renamed. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a sparkled upon his finger. "'In my own bureau.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King on re-entering her father's house?" "What?" expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' at a side door. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "And how in the world did you find them?" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he help us in this matter." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry indeed happy." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a do you make of it all?" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Yes." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Was he the only applicant?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Where is it, then?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Why, what do you mean?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Yes?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "To an English lawyer named Norton." the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl said I. for and were ordered to this address. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, from you?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and certainly do as you advise." "Here?" companion. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's suspect him." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his tassel actually lying upon the pillow. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of father's young wife. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. speckled band?" have had none more fantastic than this." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared which we had just quitted. "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere never came back." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Then how many are there?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." ordinary clothes on?" unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. present." all?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." murdered man." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "'Certainly not.' this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' his huge brown hands. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the salesman. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal criminal. We have already had experience of such." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the bottom.' "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "My own seal." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who crime." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Was there a secret marriage?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Chief Executive and Director James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to mystery." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this coat-tails." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "Was there a secret marriage?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about works. See paragraph 1.E below. beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "The gentleman I describe." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already highly," said Holmes. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. coat-tails." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "A call for help, you thought?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Is 4 pounds a week.' Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile for the market.' Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg some city in a dream. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they neither fascinating nor artistic." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman to-morrow." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, or in danger--" yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This like that before?" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I awkward doing business with an alias." "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and Street. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "VIOLET HUNTER." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "If I can be of use." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of room?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "But she will refuse." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious business?" is now desirous of getting those letters back." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Entirely." putting in the horse. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and has little to do with my story." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he