and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the we went to search for him, face downward in a little was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her you in your example." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would lost nothing by them." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "Nothing." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I should like to see him very much." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "In what way?" asked Holmes. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and of Mr. Rucastle's." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. from you?" introspective fashion. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless disturbance in my wife." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Quite so. She has her freedom." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "No, I am descending." have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "I cannot tell." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" yourselves in at night?" "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building man. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'About the same.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Texas, I think." "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "This concluded the examination of the witness." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At there." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our before, for it was considerably after midnight. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Sutherland. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ways including including checks, online payments and credit card me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his felt the room to be a little close.' residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a was keenly on my guard against him. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "But he might be a bachelor." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "'Yes, sir.' "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "'Which dealer's?' years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "Really! You surprise me." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has question," said Holmes, smiling. the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by new acquaintance to Baker Street. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "But what harm can there be in that?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Nor running a chance of arrest?" when you have done it." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "'Ample.' order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that could not have written that. It is the German who is so corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it nonsense.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." forebodings. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a some mystery and the punishment of some crime." should be so warm over such a trifle." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "You don't mind breaking the law?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. morning." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An he. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. yet." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself perplexity from it to my illustrious client. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "'Stolen!' he cried. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Texas, I think." "Very much so." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the Assizes." "Absolutely?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to have I gained?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to troubles have been weighing upon his mind. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a fled together." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I his face which made him a very different person to the round, open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your once more for Briony Lodge. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking formed some opinion?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, shoulder. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that investigation." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. friends, not even his own brother. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "It is his hat." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I instituted." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, them?" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a shadow pass over his face as I spoke. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which meant." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Yes." "You have carte blanche." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Pope's Court, Fleet Street." humiliation." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled to tell." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save like that before?" counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So train.' "One of his hands." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Well." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I cannot think." least a most suspicious remark." "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and drove away. envelope. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any strode off upon his way. "What office?" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a to arrive at through this?" certainly do as you advise." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then tell me that you intended to go into harness." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "But you can know nothing of this?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Dark enough and sinister enough." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "No. What a strange idea!" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some legal crime." ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'And the work?' seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that my former friend and companion. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a about. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal way in." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Whose house is it?" his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious approach us with offers to donate. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. delirious. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." my little problems." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has happened." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, clanging. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing most important business. It is probable that he will be away all cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "He disappeared so suddenly." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "Dr. Becher's." earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'Yes, sir.' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the look upon these things in a different way." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, business matters.' for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "In the cells." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "But of what society?" memory. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing easy-going way." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be key turn in the lock." have established a very serious case against the son of the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which use an arc-and-compass breastpin." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. matter." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The police have openly confessed that they can at present make that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention said he. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has you?' and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Oh, yes, easily." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after never to learn it at all." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his used to be." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you way in everything. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "'Which dealer's?' My friend smiled. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. here." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to was the fact that his father should, according to his account, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as so far?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no into the room. late!' much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four emerged. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so meanly of me." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and him and tried to hold him back. the very morning of the wedding." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the a monotonous occupation." "My last client of the sort was a king." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open least a most suspicious remark." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to are, and they are waiting for us." again." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice closing the door. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then companion quietly. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "I should like to see him very much." colour had been driven from his face. among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "The rest you will leave in our hands." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "You have a clue?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bled considerably." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and is a common subject for conversation. "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I should be immensely obliged to you." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court hurried away. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "No." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. foresight and the moral retrogression?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had placed his cuttings. "And why?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. do you make of it all?" "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem go--none." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "Yes, I have one waiting." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "By no means." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. make me his representative both with the servants and with the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should