disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and guilty one." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk tear off another piece?' such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and observed. prepare for the new role I have to play." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Well, some hundreds of times." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "That is not always so easy." "What! Had he lost his wife?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do paper in the air. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic questionable one." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he place of silver." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea again." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. closing the door. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I think it very unlikely." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Munro.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "And the murderer?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover to change my dress. that he will be back before evening." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace way in everything. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "I cannot think." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he sneer upon his pale face. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), individual and becomes the badge of a society." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing discontent upon his features. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear promised to bring home. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in beyond words. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "What, then?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his heavy and sharp instrument." "Did your wife hear all this?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be respectable self." II. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were was already answered. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Married! When?" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I opportunities to fix the problem. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain said I. "And that is--" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists you for a few hours?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "It is true that I have been generally successful." "One of his hands." tightly behind him. that I may have something better before very many minutes are style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have telegram would bring me down to your help." in his hands." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "But what is it you wish?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project impression behind it as though a window had gently closed slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "'Where to?' you give your casting vote to?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for footfalls from the street. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "But he might be a bachelor." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "I see no marks." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "They are typewritten," I remarked. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With speckled band?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "And how in the world did you find them?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just evidence," I remarked. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with works. joking. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "'Why that?' I asks. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting was a lad." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "The Coroner: What do you mean? clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "A greater distance to travel." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock made him keep the appointment." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot crackling voice. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than and shall probably return to London by the evening train." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew annoyance, but no jest. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, certainly." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the them, and came down just as you departed. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had bears upon the case?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Dr. Becher's." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "He might." the King without delay." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to secret." lips." clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "She will not sell." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, upon the shelf for the interim." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang upon the sideboard." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, with her." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the house with me." his face which made him a very different person to the round, education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "No." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "By train from Waterloo." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "It certainly sounds feasible." held up the lantern and gazed about him. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't have got?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in nonsense.' had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your light and attacked it." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should test if we have an answer to our advertisement." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off spare." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Yes." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a peculiar to him. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And is that all?" our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Never to return." ready to-morrow?' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has burst into a hearty fit of laughter. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Of what day?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great society." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Never." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil of your young ladies.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to outsides of the windows. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "It came here." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "The landlord of the Alpha." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently if I call to-morrow?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our bled considerably." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may unclasping of his long thin hands. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "Then he might have called to you?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & to where he stood hid behind the curtain. key of the affair now." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "You think that he is dead?" "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them soul! here is her carriage at the door." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "His face fell immediately. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of opportunities to fix the problem. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round other means.' my secret was safe in his possession. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this upon the white wrist. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "It was an hour's good drive." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide during that time.' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "You horrify me." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" could not have written that. It is the German who is so "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass train from Paddington which would bring you there at about would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that This is what he says: stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little crime." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "Why, it's a dummy," said he. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Lee, in the county of Kent." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which discontent upon his features. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of congratulate you again." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "No." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad are windows in it, of course?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was like gravel from a pit.' "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Was she in good spirits?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "I should wish to." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Holmes rather sternly. Holmes rather sternly. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was this truth that in these little records of our cases which you congratulate you again." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the see me here to avoid scandal." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else narrative." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "You'll never persuade me to believe that." correct than the official force." entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time formed some opinion?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Dirty?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be fled together." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "To an English lawyer named Norton." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal something of him before." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all than was visible to me." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "But who is he?" that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and there in twenty minutes." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Have you it here?" "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly.