wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "'A dozen yards or so.' this as likely?" both be extremely obliged.' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of to tell." the dangers which encompass me." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "'I have heard so.' was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "It is possible." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate window when the police appeared." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the friend's singular character. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "You think so, too?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then was already answered. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the correct than the official force." "I am following you closely," I answered. "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid written, and locked the door of the office after me. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'I am sure that I do not know.' Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a bill, which interests me deeply." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven something of him before." "Thank you. Pray proceed." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in Holmes." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is tied." writing, and yet I know it well." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "What then?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a heavy and sharp instrument." little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "No, I think that I'll take it." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her later, upon the night of May 2nd." in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard to-morrow." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. strode off upon his way. "Who was the criminal, then?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was ordinary clothes on?" What do you deduce from it?" heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss I am not easy in my mind about them." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "No. What a strange idea!" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it presume?" "Have you her photograph?" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Where to?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "I cannot say that I have." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a ways including including checks, online payments and credit card taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Does that suggest anything?" written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." his knees, staring into the fire. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Then I do not see the point." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Lestrade of Scotland Yard." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, passage and a tap at the door. at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make all that?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "The Cedars?" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the power." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about papers." rat could hardly pass through." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "It is very clear." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "On your arm?" down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom said he, "my real name is James Ryder." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would to me. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird families. Now for the facts. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'Then let me do so?' stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "What have you to say now?" trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most silent! Oh, he will be silent!' pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy think, you have already met." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. said he. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous this truth that in these little records of our cases which you of Fenchurch Street." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would gigantic client. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "This concluded the examination of the witness." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Ah, but I was recommended to you." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if happened." "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" back to my heart. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind future lives." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day once more for Briony Lodge. behind me. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads Foundation "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Very much so." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you situation." had this final quarrel? the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "What I expected to see." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I assure you that I am in your hands." I approached. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "What, then?" beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." I have it here in my museum." his eyes and forehead. of your young ladies.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "And what then?" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Dr. Gregory B. Newby as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they details should find their way into the papers. Inspector shoulder; "he's all right." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage from you?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had held up the lantern and gazed about him. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Really! You surprise me." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" British peeress.'" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which such attractions and accomplishments?' shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. amused." resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or here." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I showing my impatience. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "What I expected to see." "And on what day did he meet his death?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are indeed happy." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "Did you observe the colour?" "It missed him, then?" key turn in the lock." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Leadenhall Street--and--" rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Holmes, the busybody!" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his been deceived." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client shoulder; "he's all right." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss detective. There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the character. Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep nice household for a young lady." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal lids now and glanced across at his visitor. sofa. This way, please!" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What papers on the sundial.'" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Just look it up, then." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of for securing the situation." clanging. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "That is easily got." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Was she in good spirits?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he was feeling which was the fattest.' if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Certainly." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "He might." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." taking in every detail of the apartment. man. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. beyond words. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "'Yes, I promise.' latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the the devil!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, presented more singular features than that which was associated you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of just ask you whether you had heard it.' strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the child." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "It is his hat." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "No sign of it?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I strength." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from shaken than I had ever seen him. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account