white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Heh?' old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice asked. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend over part of the map. "What do you read?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue trying to your nerves." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the window, rose as we entered. "No." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The murder was done with it." only touch the interest." congenial hunt. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "It was a confession," I ejaculated. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have weighed down with some great anxiety. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "Yes, the wine-cellar." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Seven!" I answered. window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "I cannot as yet see any connection." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "'I am sure that I do not know.' you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "One of his hands." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his mystery may be cleared along those lines." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "But to whom?" nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and think that he is innocent?" A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather remarked. 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a system of imprisonment?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was morning." conceal it?" "Nothing." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, electronic works house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Why did you pick him?" Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, unclasping of his long thin hands. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Not I." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "What is it, then--a fire?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it him. "Really! You surprise me." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'Yes, it was gone.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project whether it answered to the description of any of their instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, writers could invent nothing more crude." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Very good.' "Was she in good spirits?" expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, at my own good fortune. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not recover the gem." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some call the police, let the police find what they can.' near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp sneer upon his pale face. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, had picked up in the wood. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own guilty parties." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I and a shock of very red hair. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as works. help us in this matter." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful than to us. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here John Swain, of St. Augustine. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds individual and becomes the badge of a society." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "And the cigar-holder?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. ceremony." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am been able to understand it, in a very few words. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his of Fenchurch Street." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly bled considerably." late." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "The decline of his fortunes, then?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me careless servant girl?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak have been better. It is all right." Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your little trying to do so much typewriting?" had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length nothing of it?" "That sounds a little paradoxical." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached your own bird, so if you wish--" 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "And sit in the dark?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "But how will you look?" What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Miss Holder?" another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to which was all perfectly true. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Precisely." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the some terrible trap for her." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you the warnings." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Just look it up, then." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Yes, at the mines." outbreak?" assist you in forming an opinion." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked Lestrade of Scotland Yard." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be information in his hands the value of which he did not himself seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And how in the world did you find them?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was conduct the inquiry." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "None. Neville wrote those words." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'Never,' said I. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "At half-wages, in fact." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a him and tried to hold him back. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew up this clue while it is still hot." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I cannot as yet see any connection." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face noise which awoke you from your sleep?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'Quite sure, dad.' had picked up in the wood. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or his face. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who wedding?" "How did he come?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Not in a good cause." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that congenial hunt. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I am still in the dark." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that might help us?" "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Not yet." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a carriage. It was a chestnut." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again rooms." this remarkable episode. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "What?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Was he the only applicant?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' Countess of Morcar's?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "'I am sure that I do not know.' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was client, rising. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal to a light-house. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." other means.' should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Very murderous indeed." "Why did you beat the pavement?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass carpenter." as he folded up the epistle. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I London for the present?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "To an end?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of followed. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from more solid." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "Then I do not see the point." Leadenhall Street--and--" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly discontent upon his features. "10th. John Swain cleared. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an side. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from only touch the interest." long narrative. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Can I be of assistance?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the roots. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the south-west, I see." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting details should find their way into the papers. Inspector details." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for which should have the effect of calling the attention of the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a straighten it?" wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I do." "'Very good.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Did you become engaged then?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it presume?" "'Ten to two.' self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, of." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Here?" distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "It is true that I have been generally successful." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers