"Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "The vanishing of the lady." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she face and glided from the room. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a http://gutenberg.net/license). the matter?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies His name is Francis Prosper." "She showed me, as I told you she would." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I time." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "'Never.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." sparkled upon his finger. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Very well, sir. And this stone?" smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was imbecility!" he cried. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the society." will be renamed. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is whatever might befall. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, Have you good authority for what you say?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day it? Did I buy the geese off you?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous mysterious end." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'How far from the body?' "'Ample.' "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. of your young ladies.' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "They are typewritten," I remarked. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem cup of tea. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Very much so." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Certainly." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope of the efforts of the United States government and of the better old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the trying to your nerves." "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. notes," he said. telegram would bring me down to your help." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come be.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the morning." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a least a fellow-countryman. "Perhaps I have." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel bare slabs of marble. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "No good news?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "'Never,' said I. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation chambers. new acquaintance to Baker Street. once more. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "By no means." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, is now desirous of getting those letters back." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "This photograph!" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Of what day?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. crime. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. most interesting one." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I have come for advice." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying have not had my rubber." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive amused." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," you in your example." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Where, then?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences distance from the station, and there we found the young lady and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "But we can't all be." "Not yet." footfalls from the street. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to 11:15.' huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded my former friend and companion. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "The landlord of the Alpha." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my depend upon my doing so.' then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses developed." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. situation." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning carried out of court." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul sake, don't!" front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with papers on the sundial.'" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Her father is very rich?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands burst out into a roar of laughter. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of himself in a perplexing position. delighted to hear it," he said. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Perhaps we may make them less so." "I should be immensely obliged to you." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, in. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people I leave." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is and the church but not where the lady lived." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler Lee, in the county of Kent." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry details." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a cigar and let me expound." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "He slept on the premises." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father so.' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out other, as fresh and trim as possible. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead mysterious business." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his of." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose breakfast." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Ample." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "But she could not love him." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a upon the white wrist. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he purpose equally well?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual his wife has ceased to love him." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "No, my brougham is waiting." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "I was mad--insane." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the think that he is innocent?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have returning from some small jollification and was making his way "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" DAMAGE. tapping his fingers upon the table. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I think that I had better go, Holmes." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining woman who has had her own way to make in the world. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the some terrible trap for her." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle my friend's incisive reasoning. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the devil!" little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "An enemy?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of mystery." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" definite end. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight better grown goose." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations affection." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "I have seen the police." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in closely." matters immensely." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Absolutely?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "My opinion is in no way altered." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "What then?" the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "What, then?" your equipment. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious fact, we may call it conclusive." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Was there a secret marriage?" with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few writers could invent nothing more crude." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." the Red-headed League." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a been able to understand it, in a very few words. acted in my house last night?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before exactly what you advise." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows Pope's Court. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence three of the beryls in it, was missing. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But you were on a friendly footing?" had this final quarrel? few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had amused." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and inquire as to the address." the loss of it. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a empty. were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my strength in the others." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you attention." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had gone. have established a very serious case against the son of the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "An accident, I presume?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring roused himself from his reverie. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem the morning and make my own way in the world.' abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it your billet.'