"I cannot imagine." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, you understand?" ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "How about poison?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Nothing." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Ample." definite end. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. thought that she would have been so carried away." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he seem to you to be relevant or not." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "'I have heard so.' "His face fell immediately. without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, congratulate you again." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon there!' it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the Red-headed League." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself she slowly sank and died without having recovered her in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up out of this horrible affair." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I was mad--insane." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to even of instruction." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "And how?" laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the to take care of herself." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not kind enough to tell me what I should do." in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the matter?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss before, for it was considerably after midnight. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known the bottom.' when you have done it." "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His arms and began to sob in a high treble key. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily I approached. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was at once, for I have only half an hour." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had into the room. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in face and glided from the room. tell him that I know him to be innocent." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the their singular warning or token before them when starting upon from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the little trying to do so much typewriting?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "Did you observe the colour?" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "What do you mean?" "She walked into the breakfast-room." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a business in the City. She little knew what. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the perplexity from it to my illustrious client. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Then I can wait in the next room." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. to tell." "But you were on a friendly footing?" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "How on earth--" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I was afraid that you were engaged." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the here and I will read it to you: appeal." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Then I can wait in the next room." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little an introduction to him?" his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "You are all wrong." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I Where does the thing come from?' "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' purpose of examination. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six knowledge of the world." closing the door. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland nonsense.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "My photograph." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "What do you make of that, Watson?" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the invisible to me," I remarked. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I your own bird, so if you wish--" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Entirely." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the chambers. the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method be.' forehead. notes," he said. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "What then?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Miss Holder?" Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Can I be of assistance?" silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered voice, changing her seat as requested. the side-table." Mrs. Toller serenely. death." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the bottom.' A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue voice, changing her seat as requested. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "Yes, they were peculiar boots." and have this put in the evening papers." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Proceed, then." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the with some details as to your case." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young all-comprehensive glances. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained upon an income of about 60 pounds." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and put his glass in his pocket. "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon call you and give you the chance." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of at my own good fortune. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, was shining brightly. Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "Imitated." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "No, I think that I'll take it." the child." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "She told me to ask you." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I on re-entering her father's house?" garden below. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Was he the only applicant?" seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." suddenly upon us." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do woven round him. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw you." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he of fine shops and stately business premises that they really Lee, in the county of Kent." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "I promise," said Holmes. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, manager. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and face and glided from the room. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor nothing of it?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted presume?" fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "You horrify me!" "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes status with the IRS. cost them two and thirty pounds." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the away into the river." If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said the King without delay." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been in a very precise fashion." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "When did she vanish, then?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old article?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "None." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and danger is over." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." conduct the inquiry." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "Then I am your man." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to relief. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I say that I have solved it." to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be and put his glass in his pocket. asked. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Holmes, the busybody!" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. prison!" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "To the police?" that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a into the bag, and made for the door. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not Cross for the Continent." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "What then?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I McCarthy's innocence. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled everything which you would wish to know." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an III. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "If I can be of use." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a you, my dear young lady?' "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a the address that was given us in the advertisement. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I case before our client came into the room." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave death." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Leadenhall Street--and--" his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "No, I am descending." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little 11:15.' lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of more solid." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "And I." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect points in connection with it which never have been, and probably The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "There is the writing." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I cannot tell." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom dates and names. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my had formerly been in part my own. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief suspect him." vanished into the darkness. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the clanging. way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "But who is he?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. matter." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could pity, because in other respects you would really have done very acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no