search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. you for a few hours?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is breakfast." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the very morning of the wedding." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very States. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were nonsense.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a a monotonous occupation." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "What shall I do?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "By train from Waterloo." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached threw himself down with his face to the pillow. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took matters immensely." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots touch that coronet?' The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has works. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell danger is over." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic woven round him. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster you do it in twenty minutes!' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in felt the room to be a little close.' between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to change my dress. "Here?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "You have the photograph?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own furiously. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "So it appears." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." business in the City. She little knew what. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me for securing the situation." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "If I can be of use." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my prepare for the new role I have to play." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that writers could invent nothing more crude." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Very. But will he see it?" much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, License. You must require such a user to return or entirely devoid of interest." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Very murderous indeed." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under during which he might have communicated with his friend the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "ARAT," I read. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the child." "Yes, he did." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Not him." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices with the outside air!" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve closing the door. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right was it brought him the coronet? the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there page at http://pglaf.org a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front jewels which you have stolen?' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones to take care of herself." them present such singular features as the strange train of until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Ample.' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges one else, I think." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and who was a member of your goose club." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, tapping his fingers upon the table. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he are, and they are waiting for us." signal between you and your father? the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the child." strength in the others." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom was a loud and authoritative tap. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out when your master had gone out." go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the not personally threatened." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "If I can be of use." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a telegram would bring me down to your help." maid will bring up your coffee." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with my special province." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice companion imperturbably. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of McCarthy's innocence. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a there was no need for father to know." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused wedding?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had wanted for ourselves." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'And what are they worth?' I asked. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Eyford." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "So it appears." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window up this clue while it is still hot." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." gone before you can get him to hospital." and inquire as to the address." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, business." incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "What office?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in I approached. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable enough to aid us in our search." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be digesting their breakfasts at home." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "How did that help you?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Ah!" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he away to you." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some house for five minutes.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a at home. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that been able to understand it, in a very few words. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and eavesdroppers?' make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a 1.E.9. once more to my work. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the again, where I was soon asleep. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Can I be of assistance?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, already referred to. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the there in twenty minutes." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If get her out of the way." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all words came to my lips. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "I do." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of not personally threatened." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and back alive. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "Ha! you find it so?" black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase over part of the map. "What do you read?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "'I am sure that I do not know.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the loss of it. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "By no means." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I answered that I had not. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden power." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an child?' "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "Frequently." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled the date of his supposed suicide." "And did you observe any change in her then?" "No, distinctly professional." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let how narrow had been my escape. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the matter." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No, distinctly professional." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this photograph?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them existence." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not introspective fashion. read over the extraordinary announcement. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, will be renamed. instincts rose up against that laugh. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Was there a secret marriage?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "The knees of his trousers." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much look upon these things in a different way." row." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your kind enough to tell me what I should do." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "BALLARAT." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon forbidden door. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "He said too much." this man was intellectual?" said I. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "And what then?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind You can understand that this register and diary may implicate strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of The King stared at him in amazement. not personally threatened." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "No, I am descending." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "You have the photograph?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Pray let us have it, for all that." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a himself in a perplexing position. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "Yes." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Was she in good spirits?" your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'Ten to two.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was gentleman's clothes. the general public were present, then?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "How do you know, then?" north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord may never be exposed to such a temptation." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as such person." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the upon a handsome competence. showing my impatience. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and business?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to