done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'Then let me do so?' at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he room. night.' said he. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." woman." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined round and wave him away like that.' St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a do." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with how narrow had been my escape. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in searched, without anything being found which could incriminate The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid man. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you occurred." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was whereabouts. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "It is possible." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask The King stared at him in amazement. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" despaired of." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "Perhaps I have." of a light. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "Is he quiet?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for burst out into a roar of laughter. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project place of silver." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in on re-entering her father's house?" His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "How about poison?" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and feature." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "No, my brougham is waiting." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you that you can jump it.' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, prison!" not, dad?" she asked. zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no bird of prey. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Holmes rather sternly. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it o'clock is it?" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Nothing." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. cheerful." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after of." "Holmes, the busybody!" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking do." "You are all wrong." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast in this way: her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside seem to you to be relevant or not." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready made him keep the appointment." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all detained." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'You cannot say what it was?' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The carried out of court." gives a meaning to it." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon which I could not give. He asked for Alice. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Always." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as have one." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "The Coroner: What do you mean? connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and highly," said Holmes. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "Ample." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his the station." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found careless servant girl?" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Foundation "Only as much as we can deduce." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and colonel looking down at me. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Certainly, madam." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the get her out of the way." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The were new raised from a basin. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" now. It seems that there had been some informality about their long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their your sleep?' perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Why did you pick him?" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of certainly not very gracious." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'What then?' I asked. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of the roots. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "My dear Holmes!" again before evening." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. undoubtedly my uncle's." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Where did he live, then?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge like that before?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction appeared upon the scene." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need nothing of it?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. you." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to skylight. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." do.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what you give your casting vote to?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Why, it's a dummy," said he. noble correspondent could be. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to for its centre. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying charged with?" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true jewels which you have stolen?' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to know that the truth is known." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. has little to do with my story." copied or distributed: light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. unclasping of his long thin hands. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable been with you?" his grey eyes. time." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of 1.E.9. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the running down." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "What then?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would weary and pale-looking. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the detective. "Witness: I must still refuse. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined distinguish the words: "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "You have carte blanche." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Your presence might be invaluable." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a it." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age case-book, which he consulted. that I am arrested." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All over part of the map. "What do you read?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client there." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the nursery. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "I am still in the dark." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking 'I should be able to look after that for you.' not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end helping a boy to put up the shutters. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Yes." "It is possible." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of I was concerned in it." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'Stolen!' he cried. that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "But he might be a bachelor." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "To an end?" I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "The knees of his trousers." dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." side. "Entirely." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to people don't know." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "And is that all?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "And your mother is alive?" "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where least a fellow-countryman. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a sneer upon his pale face. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear mystery." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "'Yes, it was gone.'