it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his acted in my house last night?" make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab nights." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of come either from the window or the door. My attention was morning." points to suicide?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "My Mary? Impossible!" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." retorted upon me, and I on you." face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read whereabouts. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid was a perfect sample of the class. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from to a light-house. "No, thank goodness, she did not." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "I don't say that. Perhaps." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from upon an income of about 60 pounds." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." are, I think, all that we need." never came back." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could that you wished to speak to me?' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate the night.' said I. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." we went to search for him, face downward in a little but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "And how did he make his money?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become which it had come upon my father." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better indeed happy." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "'Which dealer's?' among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the him. "Then I shall certainly come." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to you." whatever might befall. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw during that time.' request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not several quiet little villages up there." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who in him." "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." investigation." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "She showed me, as I told you she would." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 nothing with him." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Holmes." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. I have it here in my museum." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "It is true that I have been generally successful." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott do." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which generous with you in money matters.' daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "On the contrary, this is the right side." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you been shamefully used." get the tickets." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Chief Executive and Director together. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that to tell." his huge brown hands. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing meanly of me." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "The Cedars?" of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "How did you deduce the select?" sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE copied or distributed: my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is your most interesting statement." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'Very good.' me." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." way in." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised you." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." your bag." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I am armed." her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "In heaven's name, what for?" "I think that it is very probable." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "It's nothing of the kind." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a long narrative. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "But how could you guess what the motive was?" over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an papers on the sundial.'" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I too. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." people don't know." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "But I am all in the dark." "I would give my fortune to have them back." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "The gentleman I describe." clang of the bell. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "Very truly yours, "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I green of the new foliage. interested in these little problems, and since you are good and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have next day. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small down from London to inquire more deeply into it." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was points in connection with it which never have been, and probably kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the warnings." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Surrey." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the shall not find me ungrateful." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the depend upon my doing so.' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much then?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. lectures into a series of tales." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You think that he is dead?" 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should people in all walks of life. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Why did you pick him?" he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The meant." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to jewels which you have stolen?' undoubtedly my uncle's." "So I have heard." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the newspaper selections." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical bird of prey. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated not fit the lock." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. me where it went to?" "This photograph!" coat-tails." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy ran thus: the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when copied or distributed: are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "It is possible." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the very morning of my second wedding." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with brain must have something in it." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King fashion which was peculiar to him. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its relief. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "I warn you that they are very incomplete." instincts rose up against that laugh. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' writer." fuss that is made over them." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was your troubles." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your affection." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch questioning and rather startled gaze. last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall forebodings. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Texas, I think." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. recover the gem." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what bedroom door." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "It is no ordinary one." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the coronet at all injured?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the vault. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a because she had spent so short a time in this country that she have got?" "Why did you beat the pavement?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project For additional contact information: "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the kindly on the shoulder. to have that photograph." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set the bed, and you in that chair." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "I have a cab outside." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife call it cruel." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and following enigmatical notices: considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Then what has happened to him?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite sake, don't!" His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been companion. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "That is easily got." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'And the work?' ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this chill to my heart. when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns recover the gem." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. next day. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a shall not find me ungrateful." But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'Yes, it was gone.' direction." journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came because she had spent so short a time in this country that she (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "Just look it up, then." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near me." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "We must have a cab." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' ready to-morrow?' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the he. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so brain must have something in it." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in what I may call a really hard day's work." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many are, I think, all that we need." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to people in all walks of life. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in despaired of." events than those which have happened in my own family." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I is," said he presently: "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Which dealer's?' "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich