"Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" everything which you would wish to know." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Did he not advertise?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have meant it for the best. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our lost his Christmas dinner." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his I. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what over his head with a sweet womanly caress. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "And sit in the dark?" "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' rat could hardly pass through." "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and present." himself to tell his story. "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "The knees of his trousers." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the bell. Holmes whistled. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the my special province." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and address. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then all-comprehensive glances. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to have an American origin." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. in the port of London." breakfast?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in system of imprisonment?" that you wished to speak to me?' making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. lamp. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "My own seal." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his cane at the bell-pull. easy-going way." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "The best possible." meanly of me." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his you." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On obstinate." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a signal between you and your father? recover the gem." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in to a more successful conclusion." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he dear old homesteads?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business you give your casting vote to?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat when you have done it." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed I have it here in my museum." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom is a common subject for conversation. process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Lestrade of Scotland Yard." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully not as remarkable as your advertisement." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'As governess?' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Yes, I have one waiting." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "I see many objections to any such theory." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the it." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Street. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "At the wedding breakfast." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously matter over." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table it? Did I buy the geese off you?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Surrey." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. and capable of preserving a secret.' "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a overpowering excitement and concern. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "I shall be delighted." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he wall." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy least a fellow-countryman. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old himself to tell his story. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'Yes, sir.' daring than any effort of the imagination." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he think, you have already met." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a careless servant girl?" "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "And it is--" but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. prisoner's face. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Oh, yes, easily." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the village inn over there?" the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended light and attacked it." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated children over to America with him, so that I found myself without journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a chamber." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "And I to find an enemy." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm conversation I have gathered that they have been married about was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that it were putty." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to you, my dear young lady?' and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Will you bet, then?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away believe that I should never have any practice at all. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "'Yes.' "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which it." "You were travelling in the States?" child?' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Yes, he did." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "But she will refuse." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, tear off another piece?' "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the returned to France?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, chamber." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my James Windibank. Voilà tout!" brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong back alive. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek absorbing." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "How can you tell that?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'What do you call purely nominal?' fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we to tackle the facts." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I for and were ordered to this address. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'About the same.' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has will be renamed. never to learn it at all." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR promised to bring home. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down was keenly on my guard against him. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a such person." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he which are rolled in Rotterdam." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." rooms." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "And what did you see?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely hardly wander." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks joking. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "Not in the least." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing with you alone." not within a twentieth part of the market price." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a signal between you and your father? There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the companion. "I cannot imagine." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on neither fascinating nor artistic." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by touch that coronet?' the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Awake, Watson?" he asked. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "'And what salary do you ask?' standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, astonishment. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Mary, has deserted me." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable next day. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'A dozen yards or so.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "In answer to an advertisement." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' get the tickets." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you of note-paper. It read in this fashion: he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of province." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have his huge brown hands. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things fled together." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. appeared upon the scene." "A confidential servant?" remarked. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And how did you find out?" to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Yes." head. So long, then!" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Well, it is a possible supposition." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He more terrible than the truth. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Won't it ring?" "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which