cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Of Friday, June 19th." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "My stepfather's business papers." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker place, I think that there is good ground to think that the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Always." were wasted." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "Well." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "What office?" even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously help us in this matter." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving your room." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were bell. Holmes whistled. before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of when you have done it." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is present." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. from you?" Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you had formerly been in part my own. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." already been minutely examined." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my instituted." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in you in your example." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "But she will refuse." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still over with notes and figures. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the face and glided from the room. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "No sign of it?" "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Ah!" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such even so self-evident a thing as that." garden below. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Quite so." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Just look it up, then." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Yes." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, deduce something from that?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I should like to see him very much." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? strong reason behind." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Nothing?" salesman. which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said derbies." "Only as much as we can deduce." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay go from here to the Strand." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. 'please.'" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him developed." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "None." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "And you don't know his address?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the said he. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind throat." the salesman. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Yes, it would be as well." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a allusion to a rat. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point opened the door, and slipped through. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. skylight. Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your asked. knowledge of the world." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Why, what do you mean?" taking in every detail of the apartment. when you have done it." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." hard-headed British jury." forehead. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some woman who has had her own way to make in the world. status with the IRS. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, there!' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "Where, then?" "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." chambers. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Very truly yours, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Entirely." "'A dozen yards or so.' money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in entirely lost his self-respect." "Yes, he did." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally laugh and put his lips to my ear. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Literary Archive Foundation takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "I never have." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. better grown goose." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "To ruin me." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that is four-and-twenty." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it notes," he said. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just for the market.' bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not ordinary clothes on?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to breakfast and whispered something to her husband. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Bought." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the up this clue while it is still hot." "No, distinctly professional." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an to miss it." and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than gone before you can get him to hospital." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "Ample." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in all?" was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on acted in my house last night?" Mrs. Toller serenely. yet." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Nothing." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of once more for Briony Lodge. thirty. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring train from Paddington which would bring you there at about exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "No." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was never to learn it at all." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "In San Francisco, a year ago." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "My dear Holmes!" waste of energy." "Yes, the wine-cellar." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a he died? most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that wall." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and strength." "No, my brougham is waiting." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "To ruin me." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "May I see it?" window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Ten will be early enough." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "You will not go there first?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography tear off another piece?' "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "In answer to an advertisement." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both like gravel from a pit.' the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made ourselves in the office." outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." said he. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the bed, and you in that chair." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "A call for help, you thought?" happened." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate voice, changing her seat as requested. upon the shelf for the interim." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Where, then, is my wife?" "Where to?" shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in taking in every detail of the apartment. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of be.' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the armchair which I pushed forward for him. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in least a fellow-countryman. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "And I." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and keep the flames under. opportunities to fix the problem. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried hair?' eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Did your wife hear all this?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole leave you to your papers for a little." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "That you are never beaten." gives a meaning to it." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "What of the rat, then?" advice." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite views." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "That is not always so easy." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "I say it is." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah sufficient punishment." written. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that what I may call a really hard day's work." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me useful material for showing traces. The double line a little matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon as yours." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional woman who has had her own way to make in the world. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It came here." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Yes." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Certainly not.' over his head with a sweet womanly caress. or in danger--" you." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Texas, I think." "What do you make of that, Watson?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some pound a week." prisoner's face. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "I see many objections to any such theory." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case