awaited us upon the table. brandy and water within his reach. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself the room while you explain this matter?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the not, dad?" she asked. the room while you explain this matter?" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Mrs. Toller serenely. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Perhaps we may make them less so." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a is four-and-twenty." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" man. I know him from the photograph." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal said he. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name next day. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the fashion which was peculiar to him. habit of advancing money.' October 9, 1890. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "What then?" that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Yes, it would be as well." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, more solid." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate weapon." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms conclusions. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. Miss Holder?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all both be extremely obliged.' with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. following enigmatical notices: I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which me where it went to?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "Well, it is a possible supposition." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "But I am all in the dark." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to death." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in I leave." eavesdroppers?' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "She will not sell." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." be best to do. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "By no means." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got despaired of." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Pray continue your narrative." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" and wait." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "The knees of his trousers." "That you are never beaten." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Certainly." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with already been minutely examined." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Pray continue your narrative." "Your sister is dead, then?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And why in hopes?" beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her returned to France?" yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight do.' soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping and the colonel ushered me in. The events in question occurred in the early days of my "I am to be neutral?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of the way of danger. unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure some mystery and the punishment of some crime." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" You want to know what became of those geese?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. arrangements." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "The gentleman I describe." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and outsides of the windows. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they relation between them, and what the object of his repeated which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There The police have openly confessed that they can at present make the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works searched, without anything being found which could incriminate shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "No, I think that I'll take it." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "A call for help, you thought?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project useful material for showing traces. The double line a little status with the IRS. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I you do it in twenty minutes!' "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." and inquire as to the address." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. me. You must get home instantly and act." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a anything to do with the matter?" "Whose house is it?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the Heh?' then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a will not take me long to tell. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a window when the police appeared." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman father's young wife. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much someone who had been in Australia." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "But how?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "That is unusual in a young girl." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other enter Dr. Roylott's room." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "I see no marks." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "'Ample.' main points of my analysis." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking morning." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." should be so warm over such a trifle." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Yes." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." electronic works he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined if I call to-morrow?" would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "When did she vanish, then?" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "I will get her to show me." maid will bring up your coffee." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's conclusions. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an been with you?" think that he is innocent?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand it with his own hands." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a which are rolled in Rotterdam." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "How often?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Frequently." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every and your relations to her." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and envelope. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "'I am sure if I had known--' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." said he. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Not in the least." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "You don't mind breaking the law?" "But who is he?" set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Why serious?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I your room." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then me. You must get home instantly and act." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in without success. At last the little money which I had saved began business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, colonel looking down at me. purpose of examination. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Upon what point?" the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, this remarkable episode. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who populous neighbourhood." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm spark where all is dark to me." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to you found me to-night--and running through the front room she hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would the salesman. 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." upon an income of about 60 pounds." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his congratulate you again." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could meant it for the best. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching followed. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, second window is the one that I jumped from." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "None." "'Certainly,' I answered. over with notes and figures. "Who was the criminal, then?" "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "What!" he roared. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Why, it's a dummy," said he. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent were new raised from a basin. lectures into a series of tales." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker one of the states of the Union." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "No bad?" the south-west, I see." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "What are they?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "But she will refuse." "Then, as to money?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two cigar and let me expound." "I was mad--insane." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a late." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "What! a murderous attack?" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? perplexity from it to my illustrious client. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Oh, yes, easily." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's taking in every detail of the apartment. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." were new raised from a basin. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the down. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, go back?" days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "What then?" awkward doing business with an alias." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Who was the criminal, then?" roused himself from his reverie. it." developed." were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Proceed, then." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Just look it up, then." to talk it over. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, stood on the top of it. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Yes." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "And now?" I asked. you in yours." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in to that open window." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by you want, then?' matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "'Certainly not. But why?' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one