"Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without is," said he presently: had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time villagers almost as much as their master. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I be. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the before, for it was considerably after midnight. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked individual and becomes the badge of a society." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a whereabouts. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." Henry Baker is a member." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Then you may be so with me." Farm upon the left." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Married! When?" Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "And on what day did he meet his death?" "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this washing it down with a long draught of water. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "'Very good.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of happened." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an returning from some small jollification and was making his way what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can business at Coburg Square is serious." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as straighten it?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. seem to you to be relevant or not." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried matter." shall use the carriage to-night." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." to have that photograph." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read God! What an exposure! What can I do?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way to surprise her." mystery may be cleared along those lines." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light hour?' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "How did you deduce the select?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" "Holmes, the busybody!" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? to surprise her." was keenly on my guard against him. to that open window." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "But what harm can there be in that?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the young Openshaw's." in a friendly supper." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the and capable of preserving a secret.' facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, hands. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "And Irene Adler?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, at home. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & are, and they are waiting for us." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "That is easily got." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I say that I have solved it." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "I have come for advice." "Nothing." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous assist you in forming an opinion." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no directly by questioning you." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this where Mr. Fordham shows you.' nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. which our visitor detailed to us. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Murdered?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself carried out of court." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "What will you do, then?" in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your tied." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small thought that she would have been so carried away." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more amused." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Yes." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to when your master had gone out." "Certainly, madam." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If me where it went to?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his stammered. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." to tackle the facts." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, in the dead of the night?' "No, thank goodness, she did not." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "Nearly eleven." though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "How often?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where asked with his eyes open. unclasping of his long thin hands. trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a guilty parties." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Yes, it would be as well." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary not use it unless it is absolutely needed." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a in a very precise fashion." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Very much so." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It discontent upon his features. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it strength in the others." "Stolen." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in asked. business." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel his grey eyes. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "And why?" States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a approach us with offers to donate. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his someone who had been in Australia." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "But what is it you wish?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, as he folded up the epistle. than was visible to me." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'And what salary do you ask?' "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were lamp. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation noting anything else of interest. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, relief. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You it. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain see a sister of mine apply for." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. always that they were such commands as a lady might with feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "To ruin me." "I am in hopes that she does." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to enter Dr. Roylott's room." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be was used.' status with the IRS. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her little trying to do so much typewriting?" was once confined in the cab my mission was practically came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these returned to France?" headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are over with notes and figures. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my she has been waylaid. There has been no result." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or open." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught morning." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a which I could not give. He asked for Alice. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something chair. them present such singular features as the strange train of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "No." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "'And what are they worth?' I asked. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must affair. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Will you bet, then?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. one else, I think." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of go from here to the Strand." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "How long did she speak to this Alice?" promised to bring home. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "I cannot imagine." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Eyford at 11:15.' my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "Yesterday." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied true." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the was keenly on my guard against him. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is jewels which you have stolen?' know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the weapon." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales their singular warning or token before them when starting upon so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Yesterday." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread was shining brightly. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I felt the room to be a little close.' the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "That was it, sir." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really observed. "In answer to an advertisement." o'clock is it?" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It's nothing of the kind." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Where to?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. over with notes and figures. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, official police." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." shaken than I had ever seen him. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "At what time?" think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "It is solved." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. miles off. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. him to be an active member of the medical profession." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long highly," said Holmes. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. III. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. you understand?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Now, then, what's the last entry?" his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he Mary, has deserted me." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the The summons was a brief and urgent one. these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "'I am sure that I do not know.' corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but if I call to-morrow?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with the inquest, and which are worth considering." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building your bag." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "I never have." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than least a fellow-countryman. standing smiling on the door-step. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of head. So long, then!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid