continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips voice, changing her seat as requested. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And round and wave him away like that.' keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Not particularly." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which fasten all the windows?" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "None." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Ha! you find it so?" have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" man. I know him from the photograph." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'I shall certainly be there.' of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was works. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Eh? What was that?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A his face. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my fled together." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, them?" "It is no ordinary one." lips." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "None." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the stable lane now." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey with you alone." "In which, sir?" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. 'please.'" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and American. Then who could this American be, and why should he events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, to me. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Yes." taking in every detail of the apartment. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you that before taking the final step I should like to submit the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her go from here to the Strand." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "And Miss Sutherland?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely and inquire as to the address." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts II. "And why in hopes?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the people don't know." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "This concluded the examination of the witness." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "And you don't know his address?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." to have that photograph." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "In San Francisco, a year ago." gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I would give my fortune to have them back." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a a monotonous occupation." might have a private word with us. horse could go." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the least a fellow-countryman. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Does that suggest anything?" or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence have I gained?" what I may call a really hard day's work." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of bears upon the case?" "Look there!" said he. present." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "What of the rat, then?" "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time golden eyeglasses. problems help me to do so." "And how did you find out?" peculiar to him. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "The rest you will leave in our hands." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "It is solved." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative money should be paid at once.' chair. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "One of his hands." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents whereabouts. importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "'Yes, sir.' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas done what I asked you, Jones?" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which letters?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual interest. They are important, you understand, without being I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "At the wedding breakfast." just ask you whether you had heard it.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "ARAT," I read. knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I instincts rose up against that laugh. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I astonishment. ago." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Never.' evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is and put his glass in his pocket. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable less than 26s. 4d. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of was keenly on my guard against him. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Then the page we have seen--" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "One horse?" interjected Holmes. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not 'I should be able to look after that for you.' it means?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the of receipt of the work. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found was not a bird to be seen there. "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; door?" "And why in hopes?" sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, there when the Rucastles went away." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Yes." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project had died away into the silence from which it rose. "You have but to name it." "None. Neville wrote those words." "Is he quiet?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have night.' said he. people don't know." always that they were such commands as a lady might with a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from system of imprisonment?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. made his money." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "Certainly." used to be." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and other means.' time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it figure." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "What!" he roared. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come opened the door, and slipped through. was used.' room. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office miles off. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the salesman. endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be been shamefully used." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am was feeling which was the fattest.' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "No." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting What do you deduce from it?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his me, and I could not think that his explanation of the is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I true." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "Nothing?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard of this gang." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Farm upon the left." his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if main points of my analysis." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about golden eyeglasses. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. in. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "I saw her in conversation with her maid." the tragedy. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Not particularly." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, that I am arrested." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is man. smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called other, as fresh and trim as possible. noise which awoke you from your sleep?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few if only as a check to my own memory." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point notes," he said. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew new duties?' "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I held the little printed slip to the light. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Then, how do you know?" electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "But we can't all be." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many them present such singular features as the strange train of which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United gone. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "He said that you could solve anything." that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. then?" matter." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of the way of danger. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per and put his glass in his pocket. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "'Entirely.' acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "He disappeared so suddenly." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold during which he might have communicated with his friend the "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but at my remark. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent wedding?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned possible that we could bring him back to her? while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the coronet in his hands?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs round with crates and massive boxes. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their too. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be row." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Holmes' thin, eager face. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Why? What do you mean?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his note?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "'Oh, no.'