"I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Was the window open?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the 11:15.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project thin legs towards the fire. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon that threaten you." that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his hard-headed British jury." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left country, and eventually married, without anyone having a him and tried to hold him back. "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" bell. Holmes whistled. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Was she in good spirits?" "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "I am about to be married." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "How on earth--" clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of His name is Francis Prosper." "It is very kind of you." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round all-comprehensive glances. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a I shall continue with my miserable story. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon States. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "I will get her to show me." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your too. any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in papers." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and it need not interfere very much with one's other "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "It is half-past ten now." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a you came in." way in." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "ARAT," I read. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "The gentleman I describe." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Dr. Becher's." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 would apply.' closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Married! When?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon bearing upon the case." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "You think that he is dead?" I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way I approached. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "What?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "What of the rat, then?" dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got giving me time to thank him. "You know me, then?" and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, crowd. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such spark where all is dark to me." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'What, the red-headed man?' "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have shaken than I had ever seen him. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a and a shock of very red hair. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and mystery!" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon him nearly every evening." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the quick march!" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. breakfast." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "And you can do nothing until then?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" national property. I was determined that the law should have its quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I assure you that I am in your hands." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the roots. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I relief. one of the states of the Union." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "'I am sure if I had known--' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We that threaten you." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite bore every mark of being an average commonplace British chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'I am sure if I had known--' is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I am armed." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they asked. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "But you were on a friendly footing?" a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room that he has suffered." "I think that it is very probable." finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to not, dad?" she asked. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility asked. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His true." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "I know where it is." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "And what then?" run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most dramatic, in fact." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this frequently gained my first real insight into the character of *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "Quite so. She has her freedom." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait the stable lane now." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "Never." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same call you and give you the chance." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone at my own good fortune. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a most interesting one." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "This photograph!" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I and that he would see to anything that turned up. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, again, where I was soon asleep. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, matter." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down second." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no walking." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the ways of our fellow-men." and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "I am armed." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, here and I will read it to you: produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "I will, Miss Turner." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Has he come with you to-night?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "But how could you guess what the motive was?" sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "But how?" are, and they are waiting for us." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your me upon any point which I do not make clear." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the station." "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered singular points about the case. What did the police think of the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Nothing." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Can I be of assistance?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "ARAT," I read. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "You have a clue?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son deduce something from that?" if only as a check to my own memory." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, affection." he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "'Ample.' do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a works. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' it." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Your presence might be invaluable." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, ashen face. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "Where did you address your letters, then?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "'Stolen!' he cried. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and memory. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." go from here to the Strand." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us have had none more fantastic than this." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "What can it mean?" I gasped. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Of what day?" "And did you observe any change in her then?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen pity, because in other respects you would really have done very Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands said I. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as yours." second window is the one that I jumped from." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security Holmes. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty without a word or a look. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil problems help me to do so." "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if upon the sideboard." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Serpentine Avenue. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your occurred." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one enough to aid us in our search." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on