of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Yes, that is the Crown." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "No. His orders were to stay in the house." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Holmes' face clouded over. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to waste of energy." of." photograph?" he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in purpose equally well?" when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. from the brougham. "He slept on the premises." "Of what day?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has became a certainty. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of them has the shutters up.' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "It came here." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and soul! here is her carriage at the door." "And what did you see?" his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "She showed me, as I told you she would." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way posted to-day." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall feature." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking flock.' Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is you in your example." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is could not account in any way for the presence of the missing ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the should be so warm over such a trifle." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second ourselves in the office." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Why, what do you mean?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the some terrible trap for her." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Not him." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said case before our client came into the room." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Pray do so." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "It missed him, then?" Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he events, Mr. Windibank!" bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found yet." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark at once, for I have only half an hour." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and looked back. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do forbidden door. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the the loss of it. "I will try. What is it?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "There is the writing." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! business?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." to tackle the facts." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in only touch the interest." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "By train from Waterloo." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship tapping his fingers upon the table. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and me, and I could not think that his explanation of the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I will get her to show me." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and him, that man would not have given me such complete information "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "A call for help, you thought?" to-night?' the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand towards the blaze. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the you want, then?' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that have got?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me with you alone." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well criminal. We have already had experience of such." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" desk. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for of note-paper. It read in this fashion: is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of there!' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "How do you know, then?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the likely to be some crony of the landlady's." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage if she died from some sudden fright." "We were both in the photograph." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my his wife has ceased to love him." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my without a word or a look. "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to brandy and water within his reach. his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of his shoulders. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "In answer to an advertisement." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my affection." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may murdered man." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, strange features which were associated with the two crimes which in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By This is what he says: went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is call for it in person on Monday morning.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "That sounds a little paradoxical." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' me. generous with you in money matters.' "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out learned something! Where are the gems?" 1.E.9. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of was feeling which was the fattest.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me note?" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "And you can do nothing until then?" Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." way in everything. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid goes." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. cost them two and thirty pounds." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, back to my heart. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Oh, no.' which was all perfectly true. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange his face. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "Yes." refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But his left-handedness." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend not interfere, come what may. You understand?" than was visible to me." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'There is a drive, then?' him!" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to said he. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I never have." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "The King of Scandinavia." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight me. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the bottom.' suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very closing the door. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Never.' too. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who he. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Certainly." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "I will do it." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "And I say east," said my patient. second." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "What can it mean?" I gasped. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't been shamefully used." your most interesting statement." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'What then?' I asked. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the carpenter." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the in him." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is intimate personal affairs in this public manner." and effective." Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Not in the least." friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? new duties?' will be renamed. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been time." you give your casting vote to?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, again before evening." "Yes, it was twisted." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "I do." outside. "Yes, I have one waiting." happened." eat it." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. should be so warm over such a trifle." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "And how did you verify them?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and fled together." with her." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "But his lameness?" "Yes." description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking of the way of danger. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "'A dozen yards or so.' chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased not personally threatened." quick march!" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he nothing of it?" analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am