"Terrible! She is even more affected than I." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking lost nothing by them." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a meant it for the best. "Your sister is dead, then?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest straighten it?" I shall continue with my miserable story. in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "What! You do not mean bodies?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'Stolen!' he cried. out of this horrible affair." bell. Holmes whistled. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for the Red-headed League." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "I am in hopes that she does." "At half-wages, in fact." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful to his chemical studies. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his to a more successful conclusion." returning from some small jollification and was making his way redistribution. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned The summons was a brief and urgent one. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect clanging. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a remarked. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Pray tell us what has happened to you." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I answered that I had not. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "'I have heard so.' entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "He is still with you, I presume?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my way: not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "9th. McCauley cleared. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been than to us. how narrow had been my escape. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its points to suicide?" carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was never will be, entirely cleared up. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's for its centre. fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "I am in hopes that she does." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide directors, with the result that you have seen." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small in his hands." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You villagers almost as much as their master. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached ways including including checks, online payments and credit card following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from matter over." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." that you saw all that I did." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she posted to-day." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. of them has the shutters up.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "In answer to an advertisement." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange placed his cuttings. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a of the one which your family is now devouring." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as sofa. This way, please!" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "But he might be a bachelor." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Witness: I must still refuse. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I father's young wife. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with once more. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Yes." were new raised from a basin. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It question. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw legal crime." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock within hail.' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage of your young ladies.' This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "'What do you call purely nominal?' envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: shaken than I had ever seen him. that?' body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of leave you to your papers for a little." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had assist you in forming an opinion." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" colonel looking down at me. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The his forehead." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "I guessed as much." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and situation." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge conclusions. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and are windows in it, of course?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, sake, don't!" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "And who is her maid?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few woven round him. sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of straighten it?" "'Never.' horse could go." sound at heart." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "What!" he roared. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was all-comprehensive glances. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "On your arm?" assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" could not have written that. It is the German who is so dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers business came to an end." "It surprised me." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to to his chemical studies. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means present." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And help." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the was not a bird to be seen there. What do you deduce from it?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. families. Now for the facts. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. prepare for the new role I have to play." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. chambers. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right be. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "You will not go there first?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a said I. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. annoyance, but no jest. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited extraordinary contortions. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a in this way: country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have there was no need for father to know." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "'Certainly not. But why?' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the south-west, I see." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, comes from the middle window." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Then, how do you know?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "'Then let me do so?' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "'As governess?' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." yards of it?' and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Yes." be.' of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." without a word or a look. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching impression behind it as though a window had gently closed them?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying most interesting one." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And now?" I asked. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the client, rising. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. humiliation." considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. tightly behind him. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain will find little credit to be gained out of this case." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You have carte blanche." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I own family. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which charge against him will break down." the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Precisely so. But how--" the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler eat it." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "What, then?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said since then to throw any light upon what became of him." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "I cannot imagine." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out in the port of London." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who nights." "My stepfather's business papers." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "The murder was done with it." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Dirty?" course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis in. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Only as much as we can deduce." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a have I gained?" drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Yes." despair." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his child?' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I fear not." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER new acquaintance to Baker Street. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him detained." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, means taking possession of that which another person has a prior asked. province." reach." cigars in the box." protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," crackling voice. discontent upon his features. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round have been better. It is all right." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all The King stared at him in amazement. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,'