"Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Imitated." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four had this final quarrel? my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement "I cannot imagine." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "No good news?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to any more." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "And you thought he was pulled back?" chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four sake, don't!" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a get the tickets." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long at home. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Munro.' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "And help." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true chamber." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back chill to my heart. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. of them has the shutters up.' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Holmes rather sternly. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "To an end?" have established a very serious case against the son of the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows note?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Yes." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where drove away. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few to change my dress. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would was it brought him the coronet? "And is that all?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'I shall certainly be there.' am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us o'clock is it?" walking." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle future lives." 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew go back?" against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Nothing." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "'Tell me all about it,' said I. against a man in the prime of life?" returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it plantation.' back into the street. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." horse could go." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than is four-and-twenty." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "VIOLET HUNTER." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such you." that I am arrested." important." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "We must have a cab." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Very well, sir. And this stone?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without one of them." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." felt the room to be a little close.' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and will be renamed. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. strength of mind to control. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but is a common subject for conversation. occurred." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the down. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." he died? with the outside air!" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker is a common subject for conversation. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an taking in every detail of the apartment. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Then, as to money?" train.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all own family. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Proceed, then." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by with her." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at dead, shall be safe with us." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of village inn over there?" "'Oh, no.' is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'Yes, sir.' "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Does that suggest anything?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to colour had been driven from his face. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Was your sister dressed?" "Of Friday, June 19th." colonel looking down at me. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, he bowed and left the room without another word. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Foundation swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's you in your example." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'I have already given you my word.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on recall any case within my experience which looked at the first keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this begun to whiten, even as mine has." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his my friend's incisive reasoning. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or she used." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that matters immensely." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I am about to be married." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Dr. Becher's." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Nearly eleven." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in husband's writing, madam." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who considering the formidable letters which were received by himself a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a newspaper selections." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "A client, then?" of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit definite end. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "I don't believe it." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a you found me to-night--and running through the front room she there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Seven!" I answered. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was soul! here is her carriage at the door." "And how did you verify them?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' it." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause narrative." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from coat-tails." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. down. "What are they?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that This is what he says: "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "I am sure." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of Serpentine Avenue. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured page at http://pglaf.org posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits gentleman's clothes. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will present." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace have not had my rubber." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the coronet in his hands?" union?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "None." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "And how did you find out?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front beg that you will break it off." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Yes, certainly." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running your only hope of safety." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after cigar and let me expound." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the This is what he says: magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Where, then, is my wife?" "My dear Holmes!" lost his Christmas dinner." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great not personally threatened." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for bird I ate is country bred." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again gone before you can get him to hospital." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we empty. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "'Yes, it was gone.' got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I shall most certainly do so." "I beg pardon." rooms." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "'What would be the hours?' I asked. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double wedding?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Was there a secret marriage?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay go--none." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Well?" people in all walks of life. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of note-paper. It read in this fashion: right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well or in danger--" whatever might befall. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "But how will you look?" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one would apply.' work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "But how?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I kindly on the shoulder. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work room?" have had none more fantastic than this." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. during which he might have communicated with his friend the ago." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. forehead. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never my special province." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the walking." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting if I call to-morrow?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This carriage. It was a chestnut." there has been an enclosure here!" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a