The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as them?" in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "It is half-past ten now." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. words came to my lips. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Yes, there are nearly always some there." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right away to you." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "'And what salary do you ask?' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is opportunities to fix the problem. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign me upon any point which I do not make clear." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the morning." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw me have 200 pounds?' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that girl said." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Pool. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the desk. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as McCarthy's innocence. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "It is no ordinary one." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he nights." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, that I am arrested." tell them apart.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the house with me." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked them?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the populous neighbourhood." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. tied." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there the nursery. charge against him will break down." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to yards of it?' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "And how in the world did you find them?" this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "No." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "It is very clear." name is different." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we tension within him. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil results." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the gone. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "My dear Holmes!" not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little yards of it?' Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Breckinridge is his name." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on have been better. It is all right." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "No, distinctly professional." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Quite so. She has her freedom." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had than to us. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'Never.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into outbreak?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed business came to an end." papers must be those that are destroyed.' that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have before, for it was considerably after midnight. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "I beg pardon." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and when your master had gone out." reach." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "None." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Yes." she used." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm in his power. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "One horse?" interjected Holmes. quite distinctive." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life weighed down with some great anxiety. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "How did you trace it, then?" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. to affect your life." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly national property. I was determined that the law should have its "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It is a murder, then?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "'About the same.' "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an paper in the air. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'I am sure if I had known--' "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, then?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "But I am all in the dark." "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp six. Come in!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for without a word or a look. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "They are typewritten," I remarked. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, happened." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. about here speaks of his kindness to him." they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads records." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One drawing your inferences." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. strength." "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Really! You surprise me." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light I nodded again. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "That's no good." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "One of the highest in England." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "It was an hour's good drive." amused." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton there." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "How are you getting on?" "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "That you are never beaten." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Serpentine Avenue. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone how narrow had been my escape. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If entirely lost his self-respect." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." row." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of have accepted such a situation. "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. less than 26s. 4d. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the that threaten you." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid prepare for the new role I have to play." house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "I think that it is very probable." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your 1.F. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "About a month then." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. neither fascinating nor artistic." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I affair. Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before writers could invent nothing more crude." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of questionable one." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "And the murderer?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "I guessed as much." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some footfalls from the street. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly province." His smile broadened. was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up here." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "None." that you wished to speak to me?' dead, shall be safe with us." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "But how?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very From what you have told me I think that it is possible that McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the roots. paper in the air. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "But what will you do?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second his fortune, and I went back to pa. you give your casting vote to?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Then I am your man." 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "No, my brougham is waiting." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "It is to him that this trophy belongs." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Entirely." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "And is that all?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "What can you not understand?" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "'Is purely nominal.' analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "And why in hopes?" distinguish the words: "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his