drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "This concluded the examination of the witness." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "But how did you gain them?" caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "No, I am descending." might have a private word with us. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at morning." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" page at http://pglaf.org recover the gem." remarked. snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who young Openshaw's." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the giving me time to thank him. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. very old mansion. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was bled considerably." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in yards of it?' "Was he the only applicant?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "I would give my fortune to have them back." certainly not very gracious." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the you for a few hours?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves helping a boy to put up the shutters. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him fasten all the windows?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel speckled band?" vanished into the darkness. "Absolutely none." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up presented more singular features than that which was associated return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that generous with you in money matters.' that he will be back before evening." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Certainly, madam." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it possible that we could bring him back to her? question you as to those details which seem to me to be most nonsense.' "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears burst out into a roar of laughter. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a me where it went to?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "From his hat?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'Very good.' muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of straighten it?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." awaited us upon the table. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning bill, which interests me deeply." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, over here." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "And how in the world did you find them?" extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have 1.F. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes, there are nearly always some there." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the digesting their breakfasts at home." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in vanished into the darkness. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge answered with a sidelong glance. *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** cause to be." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the her also." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest all?" the tragedy. Sutherland?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. of the way of danger. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am introspective fashion. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." awaited us upon the table. "And what did you see?" "How often?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. manager. rat could hardly pass through." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "When did it break out?" "By no means." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the Assizes." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of triumphant cloud from his cigarette. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate thin legs towards the fire. which it had come upon my father." papers must be those that are destroyed.' death." http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You horrify me!" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which forecastle of an emigrant ship. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "Yes, all." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "My opinion is in no way altered." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your upon a handsome competence. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "'I am sure if I had known--' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no character. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "None." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as awaited us upon the table. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' held up the lantern and gazed about him. relief. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let gbnewby@pglaf.org I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case or other trace. But how on earth--" first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "'Stolen!' he cried. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before congenial hunt. left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "And when will you call?" "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my hour?' sake, don't!" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United conduct the inquiry." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing gone before you can get him to hospital." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in fat-encircled eyes. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary not interfere, come what may. You understand?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I beg pardon." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the her also." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who that I am arrested." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I at home. We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the new duties?' whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during I approached. "'Entirely.' door?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and sound at heart." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary spare." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Stoke Moran." mystery!" cigars in their mouths. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, despaired of." "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and hour." "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. just called myself is not exactly my own." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "And leave your case unfinished?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. chambers. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their point our research must commence, and we will begin it by should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I cannot say that I have." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Yes, only one." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father have had none more fantastic than this." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a information in his hands the value of which he did not himself how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning that you wished to speak to me?' and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the general public were present, then?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I amused." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in down. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the face and glided from the room. postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative out." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "What steps will you take?" I asked. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I wedding?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Why? What do you mean?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side and wait." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. interest. They are important, you understand, without being the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the you for a few hours?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Yes." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Will you go?" "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is place, I think that there is good ground to think that the suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I up this clue while it is still hot." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but he died? emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "I have hopes." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Surrey." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "'Yes, I promise.' vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." with some details as to your case." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." I shall communicate with you." Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of closely." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "But you have hopes?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "What office?" last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some and put his glass in his pocket. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Well." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass III. "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and my friend's incisive reasoning. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if with frightened eyes at his accuser. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming one of the states of the Union." "Yes." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "My dear Holmes!"