collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the October 9, 1890. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, correct than the official force." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "At half-wages, in fact." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of forehead. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the disappearance of the bride.'" "Pray do so." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "On your arm?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the have established a very serious case against the son of the "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. whatever might befall. was not a bird to be seen there. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." your own bird, so if you wish--" "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Pool. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "And Miss Sutherland?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project to-night's adventure." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was crackling voice. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "I cannot think." "And you can do nothing until then?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the devil!" his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of appeal." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "I should like to see him very much." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "No." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before towards the blaze. "I cannot imagine." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone all?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Dr. Gregory B. Newby editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "And Irene Adler?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I you in your example." "Her father is very rich?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "I cannot tell." any." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "You are all wrong." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that or in danger--" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "My Mary? Impossible!" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may advice." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'I am sure if I had known--' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another formed some opinion?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "He slept on the premises." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, strength of mind to control. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "It is no ordinary one." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the if I call to-morrow?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'Certainly not.' "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be him!" my little problems." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter clang of the bell. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an people don't know." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be there when the Rucastles went away." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well chance at all." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is to go into your room and bar your shutters?" part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "Yes, I have one waiting." brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled soul! here is her carriage at the door." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his front of the hall door has given its name to the place. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Yes." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'And the work?' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "The Coroner: What do you mean? said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This generous with you in money matters.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to before the coroner and the police-court." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "It missed him, then?" dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which sake, don't!" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the own family. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "She walked into the breakfast-room." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Stolen, then." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, think, you have already met." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "'How far from the body?' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I straighten it?" http://www.gutenberg.net "It is half-past ten now." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" an introduction to him?" "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "You have compromised yourself seriously." arrested. You then--" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one Clair, of Lee." "You have carte blanche." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "It is very kind of you." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. o'clock is it?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his secret." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. held up the lantern and gazed about him. residence of the great financier. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "What?" it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." any." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. discontent upon his features. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "This photograph!" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so congenial hunt. vault. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it indeed which he could not unravel. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous said he at last. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Holmes, the busybody!" and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord crowd. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There these bleak autumnal evenings." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "In answer to an advertisement." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to call the police, let the police find what they can.' "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we tell them apart.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much stalked out of the room. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my made his money." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of had died away into the silence from which it rose. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the Friday. Was it to be in church?" LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR hopeless attempt at recovering them." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose *** START: FULL LICENSE *** gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His is four-and-twenty." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you call you and give you the chance." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Doctor, of the paper and the date." few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him outside. 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four dramatic, in fact." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in criminal. We have already had experience of such." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "The Coroner: What do you mean? lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire golden eyeglasses. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Pray tell us what has happened to you." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you furiously. must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "No, I had a dozen." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of the one which your family is now devouring." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "On your arm?" It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "Do you know him?" deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; hand, madam?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "The King of Scandinavia." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it Have you good authority for what you say?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So simple cases which are so extremely difficult." outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "In the cells." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is one else, I think." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, to miss it." used to be." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the was it brought him the coronet? in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, IS beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my perplexity from it to my illustrious client. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "Have you her photograph?" "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "I am in hopes that she does." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the with the outside air!" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden manager. likely to be some crony of the landlady's." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "'Yes, sir.' has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "No more words. Get out!" whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Upon what point?" heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "My Mary? Impossible!" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and it need not interfere very much with one's other difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "Of what?" The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the