usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "And who is her maid?" meant it for the best. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert lost his Christmas dinner." awkward doing business with an alias." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's ourselves in the office." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & room had already been engaged for us. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands business matters.' "I don't say that. Perhaps." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to colour had been driven from his face. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Did your wife hear all this?" with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found emerged. I have it here in my museum." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded see me here to avoid scandal." of a light. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Yes, I have one waiting." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'Yes, I promise.' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Could he throw no light?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Have you good authority for what you say?" said I. humiliation." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, hands. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those she used." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me The summons was a brief and urgent one. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, new duties?' "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Yes, from Horsham." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "So I am. Very much so." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how had no one to advise her at such a crisis." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "But how will you look?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the there has been an enclosure here!" "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as bonnet, and went out." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it he. him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "She told me to ask you." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Yes." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "And that is--" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely pictures, libraries, or plate. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the very morning of the wedding." "Why? What do you mean?" "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." assist you in forming an opinion." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Then I shall certainly come." Mary, has deserted me." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I fat-encircled eyes. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as him!" "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "Certainly." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "Quite so." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his huge brown hands. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of pierced for earrings?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very of campaign. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "And is that all?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility once more. "Do you know him?" lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon conversation I have gathered that they have been married about with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had husband's writing, madam." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked sound at heart." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "I am about to be married." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the leaning back in his chair. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, persecution?" nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the was a lad." habit of advancing money.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "How on earth--" the driver. round with crates and massive boxes. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "He said too much." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you excitement. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Frequently." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "My opinion is in no way altered." "'Never.' shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled forehead. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of prisoner's face. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each business at Coburg Square is serious." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as security.' "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "I am armed." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, until night should bring an explanation. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced over part of the map. "What do you read?" having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "Where is it, then?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in nights." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "And I to find an enemy." out." little trying to do so much typewriting?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered brandy and water within his reach. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "It is half-past ten now." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Precisely." hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had instincts rose up against that laugh. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Holmes." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But one's self under obligations.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. floor. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "My dear Holmes!" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an and put his glass in his pocket. guilty parties." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, has little to do with my story." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out will not take me long to tell. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive chance at all." were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest envelope. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of do." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "He said that you could solve anything." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at matters immensely." "Where, indeed?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural annoyance, but no jest. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been wedding?" already referred to. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers client, rising. sneer upon his pale face. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "In San Francisco, a year ago." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a envelope. should be so warm over such a trifle." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to laugh and put his lips to my ear. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." really the only notable feature about the thing." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for fled together." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might foot. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. carpenter." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing seem to you to be relevant or not." third from London." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "One of the highest in England." base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles until night should bring an explanation. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have the King without delay." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not it right.' in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." from you?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a note?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." call you and give you the chance." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Then let me do so?' soul! here is her carriage at the door." you, my dear young lady?' All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining very morning of my second wedding." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most know that the truth is known." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty acted in my house last night?" day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in notes," he said. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "But his left-handedness." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' bearing upon the case." 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is locked. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I answered that I had not. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we introspective fashion. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress During two years I have had three consultations and one small to-night." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very his cane at the bell-pull. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to some other building. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with deduce something from that?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the devil!" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 as this. Pray let me have the details." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point absolutely follow my advice in every respect." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And did you observe any change in her then?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "No, my brougham is waiting." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "And how did you find out?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I cannot imagine." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There when you have done it." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Yes. He waved his hands." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. were unconscious?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him it." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "You have carte blanche." telegram would bring me down to your help." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a that, and I came down." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you just called myself is not exactly my own." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds indeed happy." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I out of this horrible affair." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "Where to?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part writing, and yet I know it well." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll like that before?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after charge against him will break down." without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Never." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This and the whole place is in a blaze." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the