his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's conclusions. straighten it?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from sneer upon his pale face. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "It was an hour's good drive." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the devil!" cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting excitement. it. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "My dear Holmes!" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his second." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view careless servant girl?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with night.' said he. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever back into the street. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "You horrify me!" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." to-morrow." think that any burglar could have done. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had But Holmes shook his head gravely. nothing of it?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "No. His orders were to stay in the house." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I yourselves in at night?" Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "It is half-past ten now." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point lectures into a series of tales." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, was already answered. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "But I am all in the dark." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "But to whom?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed interested in these little problems, and since you are good occurred." "Then, as to money?" The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other indeed happy." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "Yes, only one." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Where, then?" thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "What can it mean?" I gasped. "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "That is it on the dressing-table." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always asked. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "To ruin me." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Of what?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens I shall communicate with you." get the tickets." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to residence of the great financier. possible that we could bring him back to her? it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was sufficient punishment." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. closely." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion go--none." Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide father's young wife. daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "But his left-handedness." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the delighted to hear it," he said. leaning back in his chair. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the 1.F. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There you?' seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Do you go out much in society?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' with frightened eyes at his accuser. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, know what is wrong with it.' washing it down with a long draught of water. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." it." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." conduct the inquiry." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came to tell." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a It may be so in this case, also." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Leadenhall Street--and--" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "You forget that I know nothing about it." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep compunction about shooting them down." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Oh, fresh and glossy." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to imbecility!" he cried. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "'Oh, no.' ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon confronted him. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 he died? was used.' I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, for its centre. "'Which dealer's?' "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "I have a cab outside." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I place no limit on the sum I may draw." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "What, then, did Peterson do?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "That is possible." "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door face and glided from the room. meant it for the best. might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Seven!" I answered. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked to-night?" I asked. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Dark enough and sinister enough." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "In heaven's name, what for?" employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I companion quietly. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "ARAT," I read. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, noting anything else of interest. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Is he quiet?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At father's young wife. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was exactly what you advise." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "And I." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "But your client--" the Assizes." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, imbecility!" he cried. When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "In which, sir?" with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "'Where to?' of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, prisoner's face. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. believe that I should never have any practice at all. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Witness: I must still refuse. business." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "'Ample.' moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to Leadenhall Street--and--" was feeling which was the fattest.' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same chemical work which was so dear to him. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." mystery may be cleared along those lines." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is *** START: FULL LICENSE *** night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I and put his glass in his pocket. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter his eyes and forehead. "That you are never beaten." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. time." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any thought that she would have been so carried away." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" disappearance of the bride.'" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Texas, I think." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a him. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "And on what day did he meet his death?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the horse could go." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was companion quietly. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons placed his cuttings. true." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "It is a murder, then?" them, and came down just as you departed. "Very. But will he see it?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "I say that I have solved it." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind enough to aid us in our search." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This one which it was hard to resist. imbecility!" he cried. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "What! Had he lost his wife?" first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his back to my heart. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It is now desirous of getting those letters back." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get evidence," I remarked. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It him!" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently must compliment you." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know and have this put in the evening papers." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "One?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours States. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very was lame." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an gigantic client. how narrow had been my escape. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent