his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and constraint." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. shall use the carriage to-night." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It straightened it out again. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You think that he is dead?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "What shall I do?" hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her examination of the premises, but without finding anything which as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Certainly." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. overpowering excitement and concern. against a man in the prime of life?" six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I question. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. to affect your life." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across once more. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, ways of our fellow-men." chemical work which was so dear to him. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs distinguish the words: Street. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Stoke Moran." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this 1.F. "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right interested in these little problems, and since you are good Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Will you bet, then?" daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable the very letters. But what is this written above them?' unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when gives a meaning to it." to his chemical studies. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which could go. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the one as in the other." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had certainly not very gracious." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "Yes, only one." digesting their breakfasts at home." had a long day." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. of receipt of the work. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." of them has the shutters up.' this Miss Turner." answered with a sidelong glance. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over business." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and or in danger--" "You horrify me!" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite stood on the top of it. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "Pray tell us what has happened to you." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Well?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "I will, Miss Turner." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were said he. "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened during that time.' me have 200 pounds?' prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "My dear Holmes!" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and coroner's jury." two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Not in a good cause." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set His smile broadened. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the late!' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads 'please.'" confronted him. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Eh? What was that?" "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "But you can know nothing of this?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a October 9, 1890. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant which we had just quitted. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not that I can to serve you." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, ways including including checks, online payments and credit card India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with have got?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his do you make of it all?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of telegram would bring me down to your help." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the Red-headed League." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran least a most suspicious remark." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Where does the thing come from?' seven miles from Eyford Station.' that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "I say that I have solved it." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "But who is he?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I have solved it." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Nearly eleven." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing to-night?' he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the how narrow had been my escape. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Clair, of Lee." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want prepare for the new role I have to play." "I do." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Not I." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." before the coroner and the police-court." him to go away.' pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "ARAT," I read. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "It is half-past ten now." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the date of his supposed suicide." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not do.' "And did you observe any change in her then?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very look upon these things in a different way." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I see many objections to any such theory." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, an introduction to him?" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Perfectly so." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is very old mansion. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic without a word or a look. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and inquire as to the address." as this. Pray let me have the details." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could furiously. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "It was." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I corner of the building. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Then he might have called to you?" written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to upon the shelf for the interim." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Your French gold?" "Not I." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had to a light-house. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Did he not advertise?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the matter." Stoke Moran." than to us. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy of the way of danger. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "No. What a strange idea!" is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." woven round him. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as already been minutely examined." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the fact, we may call it conclusive." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk his wife has ceased to love him." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" outside. "No, I had a dozen." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "The Cedars?" matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was papers." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father I nodded again. is worth.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the speckled band?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece will he say when he returns?" "Then I can wait in the next room." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Yes, at the mines." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" orange pips. upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Nothing?" the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, you in your example." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he works. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. detective. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Come in!" said Holmes. "Why did you beat the pavement?" "No, finished." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was father's place of business?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in even so self-evident a thing as that." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" strong and stiff." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "It's nothing of the kind." could go. "What can you not understand?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." despair." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "None." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, done what I asked you, Jones?" her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be and the whole place is in a blaze." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Yes." "You think so, too?" time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." chambers. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently,