"The murder was done with it." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the putting in the horse. "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and a shock of very red hair. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never client, rising. above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "And why?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" putting in the horse. "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot some mystery and the punishment of some crime." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "But how?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of him." hour." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the respectable self." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our them?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "The doctor?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that province." "But I have heard all that you have heard." "You are all wrong." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be shadow pass over his face as I spoke. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "No good news?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been are windows in it, of course?" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "No. His orders were to stay in the house." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was woman." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the driver. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in was not a bird to be seen there. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the general public were present, then?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "I was certainly surprised to find you there." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of His name is Francis Prosper." connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and quite distinctive." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what records." his face which made him a very different person to the round, large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "His face fell immediately. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought row." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Chief Executive and Director object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "9th. McCauley cleared. you." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "Did you become engaged then?" about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as gigantic client. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it confronted him. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, walking." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "How did you trace it, then?" "What!" he roared. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable to affect your life." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "I am in hopes that she does." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of arrested. You then--" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof papers." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "One of the highest in England." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said never will be, entirely cleared up. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but it right.' "About a month then." "That is not always so easy." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is them present such singular features as the strange train of at my own good fortune. father's place of business?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "But you have hopes?" will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own questionable one." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his is so. I know all about McCarthy." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for towards the blaze. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would again before evening." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "My last client of the sort was a king." his wife has ceased to love him." "That was it, sir." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found derbies." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Then, as to money?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have got?" best detective that ever lived. unprofitable." "No bad?" and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I rooms." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the station." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his at once, for I have only half an hour." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious tell them apart.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the address that was given us in the advertisement. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand not come at once?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Stoke Moran?" said he. sneer upon his pale face. you give your casting vote to?" "But I am all in the dark." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary morning." "Entirely." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Whose house is it?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock Cross for the Continent." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be about. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "I would pay ten." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to situation." tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite four million human beings all jostling each other within the should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land now. It seems that there had been some informality about their roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America fact, we may call it conclusive." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "No." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the meant it for the best. became a certainty. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On the inner apartment." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to such attractions and accomplishments?' before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem public press." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my photograph?" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of to his chemical studies. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One to-night?" I asked. Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose papers on the sundial.'" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "His face fell immediately. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, placed his cuttings. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the shoulder; "he's all right." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major make me his representative both with the servants and with the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "Thank you. Pray proceed." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife geese which you supplied to the Alpha." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "But I am all in the dark." asked. "How on earth--" "I will not look." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. fire. You quite follow me?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the one of them." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by always that they were such commands as a lady might with pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is minor matters until to-morrow." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the was shining brightly. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "It surprised me." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. morning." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him when your master had gone out." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this searched, without anything being found which could incriminate his cane at the bell-pull. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Was the window open?" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the that he has suffered." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed again, where I was soon asleep. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. and your relations to her." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire past. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down breakfast."