"What, then?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were at a side door. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. together. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "Married! When?" this unhappy family?" would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." think, you have already met." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "I say it is." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end do.' the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, be best to do. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody your co-operation." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and effective." of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "No, I am descending." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: evidence," I remarked. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to you?' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. strong reason behind." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to suddenly upon us." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a murdered man." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the morning." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "You are certainly joking, Holmes." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner friend's singular character. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the him!" "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." it means?" of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Who by?" As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." records." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' for its centre. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds client, rising. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "What!" he roared. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from walking." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler she has been waylaid. There has been no result." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "No, finished." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I charged with?" "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of some water from a caraffe. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not with you?" do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his opened a pocket-book and took out a note. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the driver. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Absolutely none." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "No good news?" leaning back in his chair. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" it." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "What I expected to see." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, me have 200 pounds?' only touch the interest." "Was there a secret marriage?" I was concerned in it." companion. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Because he was handy and would come cheap." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch strong and stiff." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "It is solved." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the house with me." and the colonel ushered me in. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building been shamefully used." "The murder was done with it." to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "The Cedars?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out congratulate you again." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "It is half-past ten now." open." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in hard-headed British jury." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, crackling voice. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "That is not always so easy." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon them present such singular features as the strange train of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "Certainly." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "'Not at all. I only doubt--' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right success. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "One of the highest in England." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "One?" "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "Look there!" said he. "Yes, it would be as well." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "No, but the enclosure is." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was done what I asked you, Jones?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "My own seal." you in yours." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he wife's character?" photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. we went to search for him, face downward in a little makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "I am following you closely," I answered. fear." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you and that he would see to anything that turned up. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "'Certainly not. But why?' I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "What, then?" McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "My last client of the sort was a king." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like believe that I should never have any practice at all. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that correct than the official force." lost his Christmas dinner." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "But who is he?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for acted in my house last night?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see he died? waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "But how did you gain them?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have business at Coburg Square is serious." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project noise which awoke you from your sleep?" every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle never came back." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "No." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Murdered?" flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much tail." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Yes." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "No sign of it?" been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is burst into a hearty fit of laughter. particular state visit http://pglaf.org years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H ashen face. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to surprise her." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and the church but not where the lady lived." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "You were travelling in the States?" better in every way that they should make their position a little speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "Come in!" said Holmes. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, these bleak autumnal evenings." "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, indeed which he could not unravel. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to once more. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "May I see it?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some better in every way that they should make their position a little or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall absolutely follow my advice in every respect." to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, suddenly upon us." entirely devoid of interest." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Holmes rather sternly. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said,