that, and I came down." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your him and tried to hold him back. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for as this. Pray let me have the details." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that to me. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" of his shoulders. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the warnings." written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the one as in the other." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which is so. I know all about McCarthy." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "No." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'You doubt its value?' he asked. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear searched, without anything being found which could incriminate better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of cheerful." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is any." other lovers by making love himself." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "I answered that I had not. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one could not account in any way for the presence of the missing expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Not him." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age records." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Yes." Clair, of Lee." face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and notes," he said. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Texas, I think." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of disturbance in my wife." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our I shall communicate with you." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, I shall communicate with you." nice household for a young lady." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "You have carte blanche." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's any little problem which you may submit to me." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "You forget that I know nothing about it." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not allusion to a rat. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of excitement. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their husband's writing, madam." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "And Irene Adler?" effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Yes, sir." "It's nothing of the kind." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Holmes rather sternly. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere a suggestive one." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Does that suggest anything?" "When did she vanish, then?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 passage and a tap at the door. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "And how have you succeeded?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went again on its way. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "'I shall certainly be there.' companion quietly. the bed, and you in that chair." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "There are none." read it out to me." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. at a side door. row." "And leave your case unfinished?" "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was man. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "To the police?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's drove away. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Certainly." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "In which, sir?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the place of silver." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until husband's writing, madam." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "I answered that I had not. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I should like to see him very much." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I miles off. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there with her." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of his face. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start threw himself down with his face to the pillow. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have completely overtopped every other consideration that we both is so. I know all about McCarthy." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "It is solved." "But to whom?" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will to-night's adventure." "But of what society?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was will take you up to see the machine.' "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" during which he might have communicated with his friend the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Never." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than now. It seems that there had been some informality about their living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be thought that she would have been so carried away." desk. kindly on the shoulder. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Of Friday, June 19th." "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were is worth.' "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' James Windibank. Voilà tout!" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Cross for the Continent." thirty. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all whole matter to your consideration." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was security.' you in your example." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Stoke Moran?" said he. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" public press." "Yesterday." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to a light-house. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets this remarkable episode. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life Mary, has deserted me." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he been deceived." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "What can it mean?" I gasped. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with carried out of court." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "But how?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and his wife has ceased to love him." Miss Holder?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and outside." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the or in danger--" as he folded up the epistle. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "And now?" I asked. "My dear Holmes!" sneer upon his pale face. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Certainly." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether absorbing." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "She showed me, as I told you she would." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Which surely he restored to their owner?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. coat-tails." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "And leave your case unfinished?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve his forehead." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I am all attention, madam." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "That sounds a little paradoxical." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a in a friendly supper." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight delighted to hear it," he said. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an could go. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Yes, but only for you and me." enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my from the brougham. having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Whose house is it?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. trying to your nerves." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and nonsense.' B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Oh, yes, easily." official police." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave on re-entering her father's house?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a hour?' "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over upon the sideboard." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The events in question occurred in the early days of my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the fact, we may call it conclusive." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which his grey eyes. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the one's self under obligations.' appointment with me for six o'clock?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on away in different directions, and I went off to make my own five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of there has been an enclosure here!" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Come in!" said Holmes. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your business?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. official police." you do it in twenty minutes!' father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each locked." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Not social, then?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry Street. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took over his head with a sweet womanly caress. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again brain must have something in it." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "I am about to be married." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "So I have heard." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her main points of my analysis." unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see test if we have an answer to our advertisement." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as events than those which have happened in my own family." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had McCarthy's innocence. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "But we can't all be." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Then what has happened to him?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the