back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." little adventures." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Nothing." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he read over the extraordinary announcement. "An accident, I presume?" new acquaintance to Baker Street. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. a room. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my throat." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Ten will be early enough." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what hard-headed British jury." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It surprised me." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "Certainly." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. side. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Married! When?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that obstinate." charge against him will break down." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very 1.E.9. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "By all means." "It is true that I have been generally successful." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "I see no marks." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is hair?' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Yes. He waved his hands." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Yes, the wine-cellar." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "And I." definite end. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but notes," he said. facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of make me his representative both with the servants and with the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "'Ample.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "Your French gold?" with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Witness: I must still refuse. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from I held the little printed slip to the light. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was II. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the lamp. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his it right.' Cross for the Continent." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. a little more before I quite committed myself. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "What shall I do?" orange pips. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "But what will you do?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "That also I could fathom." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Of what day?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Never to return." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your good for you to do.' "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the coronet in his hand?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock entirely devoid of interest." his forehead." Edgeware Road. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with you found me to-night--and running through the front room she the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. call for protection in the marriage market, for the present across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Why, it's a dummy," said he. the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, man. I know him from the photograph." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Then I shall certainly come." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in your equipment. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Holmes' room. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Cross for the Continent." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "None." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your hereditary King of Bohemia." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Cross for the Continent." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which suggested at once that there must be a communication between the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Come in!" said Holmes. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "In the cells." I took the paper from him and read as follows: month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." least a fellow-countryman. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' and your relations to her." purpose equally well?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps IS a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, orange pips. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no that you saw all that I did." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, himself to hunt down. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Imitated." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Pray let us have it, for all that." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, directors, with the result that you have seen." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon is four-and-twenty." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I have a cab outside." informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far the house with me." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too been." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Thank you. And your address?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "One of the highest in England." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "I was afraid that you were engaged." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors friend's singular character. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Street. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have one which it was hard to resist. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further and no precautions can guard against." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. written, and locked the door of the office after me. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the devil!" Lee, in the county of Kent." anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and burst out into a roar of laughter. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Certainly,' I answered. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Stolen, then." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Then what has happened to him?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "This concluded the examination of the witness." and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I say that I have solved it." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had to-night." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." your sleep?' fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Where did you address your letters, then?" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box a room. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the ago." newspaper selections." owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and ourselves in the office." recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, people don't know." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. weary and pale-looking. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "By train from Waterloo." "I am about to be married." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "In heaven's name, what for?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is room. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the bed, and you in that chair." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and it need not interfere very much with one's other fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a hopeless attempt at recovering them." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads of his shoulders. Gutenberg-tm License. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any happened." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. acted in my house last night?" was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean throat." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Ample." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of should be taken.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do present strange and interesting features that it is no easy to-morrow." and looked back. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon The telegram which we eventually received came late one night season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from other, as fresh and trim as possible. his fortune, and I went back to pa. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Witness: It was. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I am following you closely," I answered. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the not come at once?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the