familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Was your sister dressed?" decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Holmes. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter yards of it?' understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Of what day?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he this poor creature." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Was she in good spirits?" lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the running down." gone. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here his knees, staring into the fire. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, married her." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "It may not come to that," said Holmes. may never be exposed to such a temptation." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were if only as a check to my own memory." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "One?" whereabouts. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my present." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his comes from the middle window." "Yes, he did." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "His face fell immediately. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I distinguish the words: circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "That you are never beaten." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Perhaps we may make them less so." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of receipt of the work. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the straighten it?" stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "Where, indeed?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "Texas, I think." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to your room." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked papers must be those that are destroyed.' "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage will find little credit to be gained out of this case." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my round with crates and massive boxes. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other congratulate you again." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. congratulate you again." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would official police." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "No, but the enclosure is." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "No, but the enclosure is." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Quite so." "And that is--" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he mystery!" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "You are hungry," I remarked. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The suddenly upon us." "Never." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair papers on the sundial.'" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest take the flies, but not before." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Yes." imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I Heh?' leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. out." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the someone who had been in Australia." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in breakfast?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "The best possible." even of instruction." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "How do you know, then?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done and your relations to her." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the manager. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the morning and make my own way in the world.' own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that fashion which was peculiar to him. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a DISSOLVED. "Never." When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in very morning of my second wedding." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not so far?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "And why?" appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of anything to do with the matter?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned only touch the interest." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" been." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Never." "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "But you can know nothing of this?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his giving me time to thank him. locked. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Holmes, the busybody!" the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he about here speaks of his kindness to him." as he remarks, very much against the son." lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is important." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing unclasping of his long thin hands. waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to your room." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "You horrify me!" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder From what you have told me I think that it is possible that life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it heavily into it. at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper be.' "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect information in his hands the value of which he did not himself possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of here." as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'It is locked up,' I answered. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "That you are never beaten." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "How many? I don't know." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I to-night?" I asked. "I know where it is." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "I think it very unlikely." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch point in the dark hollow of his hand. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away she used." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Yes, there are nearly always some there." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Yes, all." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger when your master had gone out." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. ourselves in the office." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "'I have heard so.' observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. writers could invent nothing more crude." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such been lifted and conveyed somewhere." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, his eyes and forehead. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the speckled band?" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "What! Had he lost his wife?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of despaired of." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. bachelor.' no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a floor. five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, in his power. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "To an end?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial that, and I came down." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six carriage. It was a chestnut." I was concerned in it." only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "I see no marks." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Was she in good spirits?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "Whose house is it?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Because he was handy and would come cheap." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "What do you make of that, Watson?" foot. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, shall not find me ungrateful." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective putting in the horse. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Edgeware Road. paper in the air. who was a member of your goose club." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, into the bag, and made for the door. despair." shall not find me ungrateful." "And how have you succeeded?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "But she could not love him." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so she used." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Then I do not see the point." up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect and all of them with the keenest interest. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Absolutely none." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "What shall I do?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Yes, certainly." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Entirely." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." your troubles." "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. pierced for earrings?" The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." relief. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Yes, all." Serpentine Avenue. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned shag which I had seen upon the previous night. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with eat it." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He 'I should be able to look after that for you.' threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the nursery. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only discontent upon his features. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am written. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a colour had been driven from his face. "One?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you tail." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, spark where all is dark to me." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. thirty. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "And the cigar-holder?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been never will be, entirely cleared up. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of at home. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my