occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and your relations to her." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "It is his hat." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up up this clue while it is still hot." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets one else, I think." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your British peeress.'" "Dr. Becher's." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Were they all fastened this morning?" sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Holmes. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be crime." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "What then?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good writers could invent nothing more crude." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "He might." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "He might." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon hurried away. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door strong reason behind." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy troubles have been weighing upon his mind. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I felt the room to be a little close.' the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his page at http://pglaf.org colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "I say that I have solved it." suspect him." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 leaning back in his chair. exactly what you advise." "She walked into the breakfast-room." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she without success. At last the little money which I had saved began crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared noise which awoke you from your sleep?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you anything to do with the matter?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "What?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'Certainly not.' of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "And who is her maid?" client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the noble correspondent could be. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just late!' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw as yours." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went despair." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Thank you. And your address?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Witness: I must still refuse. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Does that suggest anything?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Countess of Morcar's?" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I was mad--insane." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall this as likely?" pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis head. So long, then!" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I delirious. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was it? Did I buy the geese off you?" let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "And what then?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes. He waved his hands." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "My dear Holmes!" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Who was the criminal, then?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "'What do you call purely nominal?' License. You must require such a user to return or "'Certainly not.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the forebodings. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial used to be." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "But not more so than I to find you." He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hard-headed British jury." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through leave you to your papers for a little." me upon any point which I do not make clear." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Won't it ring?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Yes, certainly." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Not particularly." anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Yes, certainly." "You don't mind breaking the law?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you been able to understand it, in a very few words. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small was lame." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project success. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both have not had my rubber." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his call for protection in the marriage market, for the present steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our go back?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside triumphant cloud from his cigarette. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey like gravel from a pit.' clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been village inn over there?" Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the maid will bring up your coffee." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which I could not give. He asked for Alice. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than I leave." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "I was sure that I might rely on you." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do least a most suspicious remark." overpowering excitement and concern. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Holmes' face clouded over. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to do." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for feature." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys was keenly on my guard against him. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two yourselves in at night?" for its centre. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you business in the City. She little knew what. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "But his left-handedness." whatever might befall. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you 'please.'" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate Young McCarthy must be got off, however." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little again." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen I was concerned in it." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "I shall most certainly do so." "In which, sir?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which closing the door. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Yes, I have one waiting." "Yes, I have one waiting." "I cannot imagine." your bag." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll roused himself from his reverie. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added crime." instituted." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "And I to find an enemy." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly whole matter to your consideration." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly woven round him. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Just look it up, then." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "He said too much." the room while you explain this matter?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There flock.' one's self under obligations.' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought The note was undated, and without either signature or address. upon a handsome competence. "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "'Certainly not. But why?' an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off burst into a hearty fit of laughter. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for details." people don't know." trying to your nerves." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We other means.' "'Ample.' here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his as he folded up the epistle. "I never have." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take when your master had gone out." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "I will try. What is it?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear way in everything. only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am following you closely," I answered. Edgeware Road. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a here." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it meant it for the best. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his gentleman's clothes. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that burst into a hearty fit of laughter. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre which are rolled in Rotterdam." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "What can it mean?" I gasped. with the outside air!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too examination of the premises, but without finding anything which am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "I was afraid that you were engaged." ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY