to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked back to my heart. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the happened." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an country, and eventually married, without anyone having a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "And leave your case unfinished?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of to Leatherhead. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "'And the work?' collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic roused himself from his reverie. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' as he remarks, very much against the son." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless I have it here in my museum." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No guilty one." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the status with the IRS. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce for its centre. "Yes." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "Yes, only one." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Street. "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest look upon these things in a different way." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "'As governess?' possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could or in danger--" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in where we are going." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid hour." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "Yes, at the mines." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "You will not go there first?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round young Openshaw's." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. she might be summoned. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the of it with the greatest attention. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of your equipment. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "And you thought he was pulled back?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Nor running a chance of arrest?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "'Certainly not. But why?' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" locked." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "Yes." A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at always that they were such commands as a lady might with to-night's adventure." purpose equally well?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get narrative." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads on re-entering her father's house?" shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Witness: Nothing definite. to-morrow." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my new acquaintance to Baker Street. that with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place know all about it," he snarled. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and fait accompli?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman searched, without anything being found which could incriminate them, and came down just as you departed. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "Absolutely none." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Of what?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, south, for the country is more deserted there." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Was your sister dressed?" What do you deduce from it?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for are, I think, all that we need." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. face and glided from the room. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every delighted to hear it," he said. stalked out of the room. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "So I am. Very much so." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: business matters.' "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such yourselves in at night?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "Who by?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a presume?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate you." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Tired-looking or fresh?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." locked." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done most important business. It is probable that he will be away all unkempt, staring out at me. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared friend's singular character. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be said he. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood them?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to in a very precise fashion." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "And what then?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for the matter?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "A call for help, you thought?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'And what salary do you ask?' Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Of Friday, June 19th." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the ago." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," papers." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to dramatic, in fact." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "How did you deduce the select?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Witness: I must still refuse. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I an introduction to him?" to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a had formerly been in part my own. the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. was already answered. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was bedroom door." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off before the coroner and the police-court." had formerly been in part my own. have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "Yesterday." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "No." figure." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "How did he come?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. other lovers by making love himself." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I residence of the great financier. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between morning." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Ah!" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "And you don't know his address?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Nearly eleven." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method papers must be those that are destroyed.' again, where I was soon asleep. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some open." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I and your relations to her." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went tightly behind him. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a extraordinary contortions. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "'I am sure that I do not know.' coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "No bad?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other my secret was safe in his possession. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "You have a clue?" autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a look upon these things in a different way." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to "No. What a strange idea!" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these of a light. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Why, what do you mean?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. help us in this matter." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly started for the Temple to see my husband. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'What then?' I asked. prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "You think so, too?" "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been married her." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "When did she vanish, then?" shag which I had seen upon the previous night. instincts rose up against that laugh. answered with a sidelong glance. "I cannot imagine." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "My photograph." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at tapping his fingers upon the table. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." murdered man." the driver. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as conceal it?" the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Pool. shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. my secret was safe in his possession. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his tell him that I know him to be innocent." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of