she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said used to be." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Of what?" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of furiously. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources introspective fashion. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are his face which made him a very different person to the round, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have arrangements." think you a quite exceptional woman." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's into her hand at the door and which lured her within their was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "Yes." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "On your arm?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, gigantic client. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of as he folded up the epistle. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford her also." "And when will you call?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Who was the criminal, then?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Have you good authority for what you say?" ourselves in the office." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." one's self under obligations.' was a perfect sample of the class. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend business?" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "That also I could fathom." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "'Yes.' "I cannot tell." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Nothing." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a your equipment. Countess of Morcar's?" And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire front of the hall door has given its name to the place. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "I have come for advice." reach." "I have solved it." "Ha! you find it so?" carriage. It was a chestnut." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which McCarthy." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. indiscretion." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Then how many are there?" eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I to his chemical studies. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "At half-wages, in fact." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and made him keep the appointment." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "The Cedars?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Will you go?" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "I will not look." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "It was an hour's good drive." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I of Fenchurch Street." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each placed his cuttings. outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal upon a handsome competence. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" you." "May I see it?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Then, how do you know?" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his instincts rose up against that laugh. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the that you wished to speak to me?' say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Lee, in the county of Kent." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be was a perfect sample of the class. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'Yes.' accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Yes." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. the running down." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the upon a handsome competence. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I think that any burglar could have done. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "You are certainly joking, Holmes." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet electronic works questioning and rather startled gaze. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "The knees of his trousers." British peeress.'" of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were in this way: of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was reach." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which man. I know him from the photograph." three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of not, dad?" she asked. writer." "At half-wages, in fact." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my your bag." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "No, my brougham is waiting." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he crowd. from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either the salesman. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The tear off another piece?' "I guessed as much." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Yes, the wine-cellar." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "I am armed." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country back to my heart. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body carried out of court." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she depend upon your compliance." a little more before I quite committed myself. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own without a word or a look. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "I shall be delighted." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. corner of the building. feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at questionable one." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Yes." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'Yes, sir.' paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran against a man in the prime of life?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens becomes even more simple." request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, hour?' "Pray tell us what has happened to you." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than nice household for a young lady." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed next day. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." upon a handsome competence. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, newspaper selections." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a for its centre. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of more solid." lectures into a series of tales." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Yes, sir." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. she used." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the should be so warm over such a trifle." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he four million human beings all jostling each other within the "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the Holmes. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. introspective fashion. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Pray do so." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a vault. make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite shoulder. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the occurred." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "It's nothing of the kind." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to upon a handsome competence. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs and the whole place is in a blaze." Holmes rather sternly. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, back to my heart. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle back to my heart. murdered man." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all chance at all." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on the warnings." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some wedding?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Holmes' thin, eager face. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "That is not always so easy." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I been deceived." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE in this note: introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what into the bag, and made for the door. "It is no ordinary one." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Countess of Morcar's?" but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work over with notes and figures. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Serpentine Avenue. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom stalked out of the room. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back