Foundation "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." generous with you in money matters.' she might be summoned. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man direction." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of have had none more fantastic than this." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "And why in hopes?" word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we to his chemical studies. have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" money should be paid at once.' "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. appeal." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Then he might have called to you?" garden below. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the as yours." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Arthur Conan Doyle Sholtos." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I I approached. INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings might help us?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "No." to talk it over. so.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Not him." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the had formerly been in part my own. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "I see many objections to any such theory." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him in this way: - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from him. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "I fear not." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "My dear Holmes!" "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's security.' colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "What, then?" Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "It is very clear." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a them?" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Married! When?" "Married! When?" Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for to tell." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he closely." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a at once, for I have only half an hour." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch laugh and put his lips to my ear. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before said he. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "One of the highest in England." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." during that time.' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, followed. neither fascinating nor artistic." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Oh, the cause is excellent!" License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed round with crates and massive boxes. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "You have compromised yourself seriously." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where she slowly sank and died without having recovered her donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little indeed which he could not unravel. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of dead, shall be safe with us." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of said he at last. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and one else, I think." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until so far?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and whatever might befall. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "It may not come to that," said Holmes. wall." Clair, of Lee." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Where to?" "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. charged with?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "That is it on the dressing-table." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as pictures, libraries, or plate. placed his cuttings. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, presented more singular features than that which was associated There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "I will do it." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all he died? remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. that threaten you." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "What?" shaken than I had ever seen him. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "And from a noble client?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say standing smiling on the door-step. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "Where, then, is my wife?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Why serious?" the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "What is it?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be to a light-house. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the she might be summoned. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do could gather together that I was able to avert another public rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "Certainly." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless allusion to a rat. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my kind enough to tell me what I should do." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Nothing." meant." own family. habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up washing it down with a long draught of water. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "In which, sir?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "It certainly sounds feasible." always that they were such commands as a lady might with There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "My dear Holmes!" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. may have an influence upon European history." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his appeared upon the scene." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "That is possible." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "And you don't know his address?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "I will, Miss Turner." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Very well, sir. And this stone?" rat could hardly pass through." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'Certainly not.' Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'Oh, no.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only wall." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads I have it here in my museum." more terrible than the truth. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to upon the sideboard." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him hard-headed British jury." "It surprised me." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting shoulder; "he's all right." Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor that I am arrested." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "But I am all in the dark." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "That is unusual in a young girl." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered coroner's jury." do." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich tell them apart.' "Not yet." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the tell them apart.' He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet hurried by. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a hardly wander." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Henry Baker is a member." morning." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Yes." once more to my work. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. husband's writing, madam." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't villagers almost as much as their master. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Yes." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Did you observe the colour?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "I am sure." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Deserted you?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of receipt of the work. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was peculiar to him. "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "But what harm can there be in that?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. lips." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it undoubtedly my uncle's." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most go--none." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what carpenter." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, your troubles." like gravel from a pit.' a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Will you go?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You have but to name it." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, again, where I was soon asleep. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and,