see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to works. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in this way: as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it I approached. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I cannot as yet see any connection." "Can I be of assistance?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do national property. I was determined that the law should have its whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this my special province." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at both be extremely obliged.' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" showing my impatience. notes," he said. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "Why serious?" were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, little adventures." for the market.' John Swain, of St. Augustine. behind me. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great had a long day." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any she to prove their authenticity?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass a monotonous occupation." burst out into a roar of laughter. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "I fear not." back into the street. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but round and wave him away like that.' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from been with you?" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the minor matters until to-morrow." girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be any more." "By train from Waterloo." "It surprised me." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "What have you to say now?" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen brandy and water within his reach. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made is acting for the best. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch asked. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "Frequently." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now your bag." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and business?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'Ten to two.' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I threw himself down with his face to the pillow. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I guessed as much." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Upon what point?" companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. mysterious business." in. "Pray do so." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the I approached. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the populous neighbourhood." pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the ceremony." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "'Yes, I promise.' some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had and no precautions can guard against." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and chill to my heart. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Which are?" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "What have you done?" asked Holmes. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we III. seen the man in the road." pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "How did you trace it, then?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. fact, we may call it conclusive." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I cannot think." better in every way that they should make their position a little gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a affection." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "That is also quite modern," said the lady. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "It certainly sounds feasible." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we our word." knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it lamp. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold were unconscious?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "'Certainly not.' "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. salesman. me. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her was not a bird to be seen there. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for row." "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "'Yes, it was gone.' "VIOLET HUNTER." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the inner apartment." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. so.' "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "No, finished." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "One of his hands." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "How do you know, then?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I see many objections to any such theory." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "How on earth--" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making to take care of herself." has little to do with my story." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "No." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "The King of Scandinavia." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than behind me. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. face and glided from the room. "No." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "And how did he make his money?" and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Holmes." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and fatally injured? flock.' "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Very truly yours, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was fat-encircled eyes. will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at Eyford." in one or two places in England?' and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until do.' It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the devil!" though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed already been minutely examined." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable it. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "And that is--" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, when you have done it." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Get out!" said he. maid will bring up your coffee." your room." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing is a common subject for conversation. "You have carte blanche." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may in the hope of finding them." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock geese which you supplied to the Alpha." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the article?" "Has he come with you to-night?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, up this clue while it is still hot." without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'How far from the body?' little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the all that?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "But it has twice been burgled." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Nor running a chance of arrest?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in handed it to him. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own vault. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "He might." your own bird, so if you wish--" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Oh, the cause is excellent!" thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. and all of them with the keenest interest. "You saw the ventilator, too?" wanted for ourselves." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "The Coroner: What do you mean? by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "We must sit without light. He would see it through the plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Then the page we have seen--" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "There are none." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "But you would not advise me to refuse?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an what is your own theory as to what took place?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I am still in the dark." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country visitors." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora there in twenty minutes." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we relief. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap forecastle of an emigrant ship. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in where we are going." but preventing her from injuring another. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself in the hope of finding them." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "I have my revolver," said I. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been felt?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "That sounds a little paradoxical." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "What can it mean?" I gasped. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really read it out to me." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was think that he is innocent?" "BALLARAT." and no precautions can guard against." With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "A greater distance to travel." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." she might be summoned. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge upon an income of about 60 pounds." that?' "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger yards of it?' "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the better grown goose." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a his face. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at