plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid in my life." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and begin with, and I had not got mine yet." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "Not social, then?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed woman who has had her own way to make in the world. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. gigantic client. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Holmes' thin, eager face. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest nothing of it?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his gone. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than as the one I chose?' saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" to affect your life." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "Pray do so." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion putting in the horse. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped newspaper selections." I nodded again. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. brain must have something in it." society." my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET fuss that is made over them." "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely Serpentine Avenue. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, I. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "I would give my fortune to have them back." look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Yesterday." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for narrative." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? the side-table." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, brandy and water within his reach. about. away to you." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa never to learn it at all." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Well, some hundreds of times." said I. and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive make me his representative both with the servants and with the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "10th. John Swain cleared. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "And Irene Adler?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." secret." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "I assure you that I am in your hands." outsides of the windows. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is was feeling which was the fattest.' interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. status with the IRS. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" like gravel from a pit.' determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the direction." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. upon a handsome competence. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could yards of it?' little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he kindly on the shoulder. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a the window, rose as we entered. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. thirty. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his will take you up to see the machine.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "You know me, then?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to about. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to fait accompli?" in his hands." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I posted to-day." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "I say that I have solved it." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every wife's character?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her possible that we could bring him back to her? neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his good-night and bustled off upon her way. careless servant girl?" How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and the church but not where the lady lived." delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "We must have a cab." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the room. for and were ordered to this address. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "How did he come?" which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Really! You surprise me." electronic works fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire quite distinctive." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a sit on the left-hand side of the driver." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "By no means." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "Yes." the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds than to us. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "You horrify me!" you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said have I gained?" inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "'And the work?' that the gas is not laid on in his house?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "And what did you learn from him?" His smile broadened. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm man. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off with the outside air!" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Nothing." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and quite distinctive." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "You are all wrong." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common emerged. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My jewels which you have stolen?' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood sake, don't!" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." written, and locked the door of the office after me. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "It is solved." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged not use it unless it is absolutely needed." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is second." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, taking in every detail of the apartment. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss fear." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after to a light-house. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the night.' "Stolen." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police From what you have told me I think that it is possible that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps keep the flames under. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the quite distinctive." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" society." said he. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Never." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Oh, fresh and glossy." "The decline of his fortunes, then?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found few hundred pounds.' "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His papers must be those that are destroyed.' burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "Eh? What was that?" "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "And I." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "'Oh, no.' you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "'As governess?' did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about was a lad." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Nothing?" for securing the situation." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you for securing the situation." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect to have that photograph." "Your French gold?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Well?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the will not take me long to tell. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the was a perfect sample of the class. "Did your wife hear all this?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, assist you in forming an opinion." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, bled considerably." face and glided from the room. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "That is easily got." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in she used." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled newspaper selections." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if fluttered off among the others. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his were wasted." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Yes, but only for you and me." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose name is different." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "A call for help, you thought?" a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of points in connection with it which never have been, and probably fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid attention." "'Entirely.' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his the very morning of the wedding." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' trifles." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered upon an income of about 60 pounds." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed you for a few hours?" ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Perhaps I have." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "Ah!" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution