questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "'Certainly,' I answered. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The written. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her said he at last. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible your Highness to the police-station?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "On Monday." his wife has ceased to love him." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a followed. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If clanging. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, me. You must get home instantly and act." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in carried out of court." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have events than those which have happened in my own family." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Yes." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "And now?" He raised his hand. was not a bird to be seen there. human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we this remarkable episode. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with spark where all is dark to me." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may the little opening for the ventilator is." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at such person." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "You are hungry," I remarked. "Yes, only one." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "I am armed." "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Thank you. Pray proceed." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the him and tried to hold him back. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. one which it was hard to resist. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "It may not come to that," said Holmes. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf upon the sideboard." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "'Is purely nominal.' Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "She walked into the breakfast-room." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "How did he come?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the never will be, entirely cleared up. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." at my remark. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "Yes, he did." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. helping a boy to put up the shutters. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "No?" very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the head. So long, then!" "I was mad--insane." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "And your mother is alive?" and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be what do you think they found in the pockets?" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and I shall be with you presently." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Nothing?" was keenly on my guard against him. gone. place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "I warn you that they are very incomplete." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Has he come with you to-night?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "How on earth--" America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback of the efforts of the United States government and of the better son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls call for protection in the marriage market, for the present kindly on the shoulder. "No, but the enclosure is." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" allusion to a rat. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "What is it, then--a fire?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "His face fell immediately. I shall continue with my miserable story. stammered. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may name is different." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "You horrify me." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "But how will you look?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'In my own bureau.' something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the tragedy. salesman. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "None." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Not in a good cause." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about fat-encircled eyes. his huge brown hands. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each bearing upon the case." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "And your father? Did you tell him?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Not particularly." attention." "None." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a mystery." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper begin with, and I had not got mine yet." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Will you go?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip records." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for your only hope of safety." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made in this way: cup of tea. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless place of silver." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are where we are going." do.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, sparkled upon his finger. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove crime. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Yes." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." my former friend and companion. man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one down in his armchair and closing his eyes. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, disappearance of these gems?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." conceal it?" he died? Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "And is that all?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and events, Mr. Windibank!" This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out along the entire front of the house, with three long windows wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable over his head with a sweet womanly caress. newspaper selections." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to-morrow." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon never will be, entirely cleared up. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and mysterious business." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "'Most admirably.' just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "That you are never beaten." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "And from a noble client?" interests were the same as his." salesman. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. do." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "You horrify me." several quiet little villages up there." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "No, my brougham is waiting." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great trifles." It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." where she found matters as described by the last witness. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "How do you know, then?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor woven round him. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "It is very clear." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who depend upon your compliance." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said License. You must require such a user to return or I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "That was it, sir." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Not in a good cause." the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "But what will you do?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Where, indeed?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. to-night." would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Holmes' face clouded over. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "In San Francisco, a year ago." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is for the market.' "I guessed as much." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "In heaven's name, what for?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very photograph a cabinet?" "'I am sure if I had known--' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to over here." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "No more words. Get out!" behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with situation." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I