my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may you." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and opportunities to fix the problem. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To or other trace. But how on earth--" mystery!" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here over here." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A became a certainty. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused answered with a sidelong glance. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the little opening for the ventilator is." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." was keenly on my guard against him. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his putting in the horse. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "At what time?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I photograph a cabinet?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Then how many are there?" roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person should be taken.' at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Frequently." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "And what did you learn from him?" sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "How did you deduce the select?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I was mad--insane." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 in him." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on depend upon your compliance." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally but preventing her from injuring another. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the within hail.' "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes strength." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "By no means." "'Most admirably.' Surrey." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband had died away into the silence from which it rose. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The manager. and glanced through. chill to my heart. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that washing it down with a long draught of water. "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Married! When?" highroad, where all traces were lost. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety this man was intellectual?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "The murder was done with it." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I extraordinary contortions. pictures, libraries, or plate. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Pray tell us what has happened to you." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for cheerful." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round trying to your nerves." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Ah!" nothing of it?" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint chambers. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "That's no good." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady good for you to do.' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" experiences." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than companion. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I think it very unlikely." fluttered off among the others. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation investigation." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what presented more singular features than that which was associated about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." man. girl said." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the bed, and you in that chair." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY note?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Then what has happened to him?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." to surprise her." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Leadenhall Street--and--" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat she has been waylaid. There has been no result." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly passage and a tap at the door. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. the south-west, I see." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "I have solved it." endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper that you saw all that I did." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several colour had been driven from his face. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid opened a pocket-book and took out a note. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' in my life." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the strength of mind to control. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." said I. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my them?" "But the mystery?" are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself out of this horrible affair." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Precisely so. But how--" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, better in every way that they should make their position a little "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "By train from Waterloo." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "'And the work?' and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend third from London." "Ha! you find it so?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "But you have hopes?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "May I see it?" have I gained?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, entirely lost his self-respect." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. my friend's incisive reasoning. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other you in your example." official police." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you miles off. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the waste of energy." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, get her out of the way." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's woven round him. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either whether it answered to the description of any of their with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it to change my dress. young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and served to weaken the effect. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "I shall be delighted." figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the gone. papers diligently of late, have you not?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of into the room. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. someone who had been in Australia." and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning look upon these things in a different way." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Only as much as we can deduce." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark politicians who had been sent down from the North. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any call you and give you the chance." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my developed." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his putting in the horse. "No, distinctly professional." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "To ruin me." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "'I shall certainly be there.' train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be comes from the middle window." "Entirely." already referred to. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Who was the criminal, then?" spark where all is dark to me." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the crackling voice. own family. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to But Holmes shook his head gravely. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door strange features which were associated with the two crimes which in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers desk. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "I am to be neutral?" charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation better in every way that they should make their position a little its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his of the vacancies.' suspect him." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through not use it unless it is absolutely needed." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to meant it for the best. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had relation between them, and what the object of his repeated that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I with her." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said orange pips. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Eh? What was that?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is if only as a check to my own memory." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "By no means." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Then, as to money?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very morning of my second wedding." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of green of the new foliage. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And started for the Temple to see my husband. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting kindly on the shoulder. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, more solid." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole Pool. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is charge against him will break down." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for McCarthy." the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, was a lad." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Bought." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." coroner's jury." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Of Friday, June 19th." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every call the police, let the police find what they can.' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman business at Coburg Square is serious." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "What then?" headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But I am all in the dark." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,