it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; go from here to the Strand." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "What I expected to see." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman dramatic, in fact." the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the behind me. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "Ah!" There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," States. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where from you?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass very old mansion. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "To ruin me." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy lectures into a series of tales." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "I have my revolver," said I. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Indeed! Whose, then?" room. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness might have a private word with us. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "How about poison?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "By no means." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke new duties?' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." have I gained?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the coronet in his hand?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers respectable self." "At what time?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous been with you?" analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the golden eyeglasses. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "You heard nothing yourself last night?" above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, thirty. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the little trying to do so much typewriting?" fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that ago." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "You think that he is dead?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "What office?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'I have heard so.' "May I see it?" legal crime." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "We must sit without light. He would see it through the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the warnings." stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish friend's singular character. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "But you have hopes?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so hour?' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it highroad, where all traces were lost. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Seven!" I answered. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to presume?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, sparkled upon his finger. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he look dissatisfied." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and have this put in the evening papers." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. constraint." do you make of it all?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and not personally threatened." transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "You are hungry," I remarked. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate second." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course would then never go into court at all." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." locked." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's from the brougham. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a some city in a dream. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately most interesting one." "The gentleman I describe." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "You have carte blanche." he bowed and left the room without another word. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "No sign of it?" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try if I call to-morrow?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me not personally threatened." a monotonous occupation." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I do." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect his eyes and forehead. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner vault. "Never to return." cause to be." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in of it with the greatest attention. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "No, thank goodness, she did not." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Oh, the cause is excellent!" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "I was sure that I might rely on you." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is writer." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "The knees of his trousers." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "My photograph." occurred." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "I answered that I had not. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in could not have written that. It is the German who is so pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. fact, we may call it conclusive." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight made him keep the appointment." chemical work which was so dear to him. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your highroad, where all traces were lost. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. matter." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had married her." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Stolen, then." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "You have a clue?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I maiden herself was most instructive." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be imbecility!" he cried. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to During two years I have had three consultations and one small "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'Yes, sir.' side. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I breakfast?" bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many breakfast?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a too. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, that you wished to speak to me?' above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Was your sister dressed?" "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: figure." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It was an hour's good drive." better in every way that they should make their position a little ordinary clothes on?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down sneer upon his pale face. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which man. I know him from the photograph." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' kindly on the shoulder. "To an English lawyer named Norton." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "But we can't all be." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon brain must have something in it." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "My own seal." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of events, Mr. Windibank!" of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a will take you up to see the machine.' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing threw himself down with his face to the pillow. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found ways including including checks, online payments and credit card is," said he presently: "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" crime. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this happened." "I say it is." should be so warm over such a trifle." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. national property. I was determined that the law should have its was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you had no one to advise her at such a crisis." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird approach us with offers to donate. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I than to us. place of silver." "Yes, from Horsham." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "You have but to name it." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the one as in the other." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their will take you up to see the machine.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea gbnewby@pglaf.org have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes even so self-evident a thing as that." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me she to prove their authenticity?" tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." the running down." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "No, finished." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others maiden herself was most instructive." "Were they all fastened this morning?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to again." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. in. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a back into the street. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one