and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "You don't mind breaking the law?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to cigars in the box." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "He is dead," cried several voices. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding golden eyeglasses. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend with frightened eyes at his accuser. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my this as likely?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "My dear Holmes!" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." opened the door, and slipped through. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "What steps will you take?" I asked. do." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of rooms." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My to a more successful conclusion." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Get out!" said he. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. to some other building. to talk it over. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You was keenly on my guard against him. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are rooms." matters immensely." shoulder. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a married her." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Stolen." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "'What would be the hours?' I asked. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to orange pips. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. him, that man would not have given me such complete information the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll particular state visit http://pglaf.org that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous straighten it?" newspaper selections." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be upon an income of about 60 pounds." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "But his left-handedness." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I enter into my head. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran writers could invent nothing more crude." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, appeal." ready to-morrow?' they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must in his hands." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't suspect him." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "None." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a outsides of the windows. she to prove their authenticity?" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "Yesterday." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't question you as to those details which seem to me to be most another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Henry Baker is a member." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while crime. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "One?" have one." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "And you thought he was pulled back?" shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "Yes, that is the Crown." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his appeared upon the scene." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from went to the Alpha were town bred." events, Mr. Windibank!" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Precisely so. But how--" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Then what has happened to him?" "Has he come with you to-night?" making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man help us in this matter." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at is entirely a question of barometric pressure." photograph?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about that you can jump it.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "And who is her maid?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I may have an influence upon European history." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove interests were the same as his." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and capable of preserving a secret.' wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Again Holmes raved in the air. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "No. What a strange idea!" customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'What would be the hours?' I asked. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Why serious?" quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." the running down." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. photograph?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, said he at last. several quiet little villages up there." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire of the way of danger. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional present." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the King without delay." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" did not hear it also.' over part of the map. "What do you read?" and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was beg that you will break it off." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. stalked out of the room. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though what I may call a really hard day's work." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella minor matters until to-morrow." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Holmes, the busybody!" back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the some water from a caraffe. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Pray do so." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, might have a private word with us. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "But he might be a bachelor." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I power." "Witness: I must still refuse. that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are south, for the country is more deserted there." "I would pay ten." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "It is half-past ten now." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by goes." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and put his glass in his pocket. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two paper in the air. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I was afraid that you were engaged." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "I should wish to." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to third from London." "And why in hopes?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out in one or two places in England?' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the to-morrow." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, his forehead." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as your sleep?' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she started for the Temple to see my husband. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "The landlord of the Alpha." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "Nothing?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and have this put in the evening papers." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of http://gutenberg.net/license). "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, derbies." "Yes, all." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Yes?" contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "I say it is." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the if she died from some sudden fright." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very habit of advancing money.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich never came back." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months to tell." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Nothing?" copied or distributed: the dangers which encompass me." "Just look it up, then." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my me what he had done with the three missing stones. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. such attractions and accomplishments?' "Absolutely?" continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and my little problems." "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. returned to France?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Certainly." said he.