drawing your inferences." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge hardly wander." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Here?" quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an of the way of danger. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and question you as to those details which seem to me to be most was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he asked. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was down in his armchair and closing his eyes. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be said he. digesting their breakfasts at home." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she enter into my head. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room felt the room to be a little close.' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into and it need not interfere very much with one's other danger is over." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is how narrow had been my escape. very morning of my second wedding." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Certainly not. But why?' cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "'Oh, no.' once more. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Nearly eleven." distinguish the words: 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew south, for the country is more deserted there." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yes." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot occurred." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "But he might be a bachelor." narrative." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise goes." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the of the one which your family is now devouring." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. hardly wander." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Yes, that is the Crown." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper lips." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with The summons was a brief and urgent one. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a to miss it." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with lips." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes arrangements." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the cup of tea. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Witness: Nothing definite. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. acted in my house last night?" "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Was she in good spirits?" significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for went to the Alpha were town bred." the coroner come to?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "My own seal." "Is he quiet?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and noble correspondent could be. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "The Cedars?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and what is your own theory as to what took place?" a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear in his hands." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I sooner or later she must fall a victim. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its mysterious business." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their fait accompli?" foot. over part of the map. "What do you read?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into delirious. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as she to prove their authenticity?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales evidence," I remarked. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his get the tickets." room. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the south-west, I see." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the in this note: who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler me. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, beyond words. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from girl said." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. never will be, entirely cleared up. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned writer." beyond words. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few you want, then?' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern Where does the thing come from?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that secret." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Yes." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady passage and a tap at the door. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the coronet at all injured?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see of the vacancies.' since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker article?" certainly do as you advise." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something his cane at the bell-pull. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "The murder was done with it." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "I do." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers all?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. records." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with all-comprehensive glances. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible your own bird, so if you wish--" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "The decline of his fortunes, then?" pierced for earrings?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months again, where I was soon asleep. wife's character?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed happened." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the undoubtedly my uncle's." "Never." the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous my former friend and companion. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "At half-wages, in fact." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I. pictures, libraries, or plate. photograph?" white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the with you?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'It is locked up,' I answered. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "You have compromised yourself seriously." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is delirious. could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then he might have called to you?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the have I gained?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "But what is it you wish?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but despair." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), system of imprisonment?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been roused himself from his reverie. Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the second." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is could gather together that I was able to avert another public time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Sutherland. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the any." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw I took the paper from him and read as follows: to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed orange pips. next day. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "And how?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. had died away into the silence from which it rose. "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir outsides of the windows. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Indeed! Whose, then?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there suspect him." "How are you getting on?" anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me as the one I chose?' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming happened." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "But what is it you wish?" firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "He slept on the premises." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about could not account in any way for the presence of the missing places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my is acting for the best. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I have solved it." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of think that any burglar could have done. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. little trying to do so much typewriting?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in wedding?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, unclasping of his long thin hands. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to better grown goose." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Absolutely none." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I off." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Eyford at 11:15.' "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. views." when you have done it." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. washing it down with a long draught of water. thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Will you go?" twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "The vanishing of the lady." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. yourselves in at night?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Married! When?" "Pray do so." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be presume?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm Doctor, of the paper and the date." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington never came back." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Certainly." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" you?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in the station." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "That's no good." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic gbnewby@pglaf.org