I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Thank you. Pray proceed." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned You can understand that this register and diary may implicate thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call was feeling which was the fattest.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. in his hands." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "At half-wages, in fact." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into father's young wife. Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has wedding?" "Your presence might be invaluable." some water from a caraffe. of his shoulders. people don't know." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side sparkled upon his finger. "'And the work?' had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I have seen the police." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the unprofitable." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "I am sure." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause vault. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "The landlord of the Alpha." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put again before evening." "And what did you learn from him?" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, you in yours." "By train from Waterloo." Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that arrangements." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that said I. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. III. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "None. Neville wrote those words." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah best detective that ever lived. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery looking up at the numbers of the houses." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Quite so." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes point in the dark hollow of his hand. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made II. definite end. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his you?' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap me where it went to?" business matters.' You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" the inner apartment." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Why, it's a dummy," said he. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; photograph?" company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "It is true that I have been generally successful." be there in time for your coming." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "The murder was done with it." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "What!" he roared. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop row." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their will find little credit to be gained out of this case." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and again before evening." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to points to suicide?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "It may not come to that," said Holmes. present." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into your room." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "No legal papers or certificates?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, shaken than I had ever seen him. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "An accident, I presume?" had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just criminal. We have already had experience of such." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'How far from the body?' gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "That was it, sir." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the of your young ladies.' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to-night?" I asked. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of six. Come in!" "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up next day. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "And your mother is alive?" "Here?" he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Yes." "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged returning from some small jollification and was making his way wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I head. So long, then!" lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the gbnewby@pglaf.org Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the Friday. Was it to be in church?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "None." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his like gravel from a pit.' Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our populous neighbourhood." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Precisely." "Dr. Becher's." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "It is true that I have been generally successful." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Holmes." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to in this way: was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He weighed down with some great anxiety. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil them?" "Only as much as we can deduce." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I as the one I chose?' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. writing, and yet I know it well." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' his cane at the bell-pull. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "You think so, too?" that he has suffered." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the matter." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has hurried away. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "In San Francisco, a year ago." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. to some other building. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "But how?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "She told me to ask you." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger annoyance, but no jest. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned corner of the building. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Never." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "No, distinctly professional." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send James Windibank. Voilà tout!" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with had no one to advise her at such a crisis." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "And how did he make his money?" bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. know what is wrong with it.' air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. six. Come in!" salesman. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray with you?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this possible that we could bring him back to her? vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." 11:15.' stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "But she will refuse." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the running down." "You think so, too?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "And from a noble client?" reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" Lee, in the county of Kent." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It is very clear." figure." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the was a lad." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'Is 4 pounds a week.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon all that?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them there were so many in the whole country as were brought together 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "That is easily got." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "No." "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the not fit the lock." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it cigars in their mouths. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Who was the criminal, then?" "What, then, did Peterson do?" was it brought him the coronet? makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all My friend smiled. when your master had gone out." promised to bring home. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "That is not always so easy." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands delirious. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled voice, changing her seat as requested. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned where we are going." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the becomes even more simple." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will if she died from some sudden fright." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "BALLARAT." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Precisely so. But how--" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and what I may call a really hard day's work." do you make of it all?" you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "But he might be a bachelor." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "What, then, did Peterson do?" works. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat in his power. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the the night.' "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very that ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "No." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, away to you." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' and capable of preserving a secret.' the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly something of him before." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds very old mansion. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "9th. McCauley cleared. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I was used.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon think, you have already met." firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' was shining brightly. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving locked." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we third from London." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My be.' providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the to-night?" I asked. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office people don't know." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my his knees, staring into the fire. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman conduct the inquiry." "'Ample.' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I."