Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then room had already been engaged for us. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, some terrible trap for her." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The of the one which your family is now devouring." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet seen the man in the road." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let which I could not give. He asked for Alice. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' than was visible to me." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'Entirely.' and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "How can you tell that?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector is," said he presently: "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "How are you getting on?" "What, then?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the into the bag, and made for the door. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious awaited us upon the table. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Yes, all." building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for locked." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER of the way of danger. Foundation abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he to you." in one or two places in England?' "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "And how did he make his money?" directly by questioning you." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which man. I know him from the photograph." "One of his hands." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a remarked. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "The decline of his fortunes, then?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of strong reason behind." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "My Mary? Impossible!" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit maiden herself was most instructive." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Did he not advertise?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Where is it, then?" the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Not particularly." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "What!" he roared. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 asked. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting one of the states of the Union." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen said I. not personally threatened." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. companion imperturbably. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project straightened it out again. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "He is dead," cried several voices. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I to tackle the facts." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried ago." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to a light-house. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists morning." "Just look it up, then." you." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to head. So long, then!" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a burst out into a roar of laughter. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is narrative." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the narrative." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. matter over." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Mrs. Toller serenely. someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me some water from a caraffe. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "Why, what do you mean?" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Did you observe the colour?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave on in his house." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and was a perfect sample of the class. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention village inn over there?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I noble correspondent could be. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, father's young wife. as the one I chose?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that there was nothing in it, after all." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." electronic works we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, crime." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "'Very good.' you understand?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "'You cannot say what it was?' companion quietly. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm learned something! Where are the gems?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that me where it went to?" ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when front of me. "And the murderer?" and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible crackling voice. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I am about to be married." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "And for present expenses?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a the address that was given us in the advertisement. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," up this clue while it is still hot." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Witness: I must still refuse. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I simple cases which are so extremely difficult." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very lost his Christmas dinner." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this certainly not very gracious." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, second." laugh and put his lips to my ear. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the father's place of business?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, them present such singular features as the strange train of "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the stammered. "'Yes, I promise.' "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" during the last few years, and there are many noble families to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "You have carte blanche." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments chambers. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence page at http://pglaf.org finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some salesman. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch was a perfect sample of the class. every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "The landlord of the Alpha." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set think you a quite exceptional woman." "No, I think that I'll take it." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about DAMAGE. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of room?" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the stones. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all in. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "But how will you look?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." night.' said he. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out details." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Ten to two.' the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Yes, at the mines." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him at my remark. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "Here?" think that any burglar could have done. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Certainly." "Yes, the wine-cellar." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "By no means." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "No?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. read it out to me." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "My dear Holmes!" happened." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "When did she vanish, then?" take the flies, but not before." walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. again." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "No?" business." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an bled considerably." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "I cannot say that I have." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had weigh very heavily upon my conscience." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "'And what salary do you ask?' I think that I could be of assistance to you." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in what do you think they found in the pockets?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery will not take me long to tell. "From his hat?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, waste of energy." "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself