Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to take care of herself." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "It is no ordinary one." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy one of them." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the address that was given us in the advertisement. Sutherland. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and unprecedented a position." abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may the bed, and you in that chair." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon without a word or a look. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My introspective fashion. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." formed some opinion?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, felt?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of yet." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. walking." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know this man was intellectual?" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Have you her photograph?" chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Yes." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "On the contrary, this is the right side." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Well, but China?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "It looks newer than the other things?" him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "He disappeared so suddenly." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We towards the blaze. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less of Mr. Rucastle's." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round sake, don't!" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, distinguish the words: stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He said too much." the house with me." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only as he remarks, very much against the son." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in seen the man in the road." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Not yet." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning bird I ate is country bred." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I undoubtedly my uncle's." A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Two days later this same performance was gone through under the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there in your London, you will know that the office of the company is deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "'How far from the body?' photograph?" upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, wedding?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can already been minutely examined." the inquest, and which are worth considering." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Oh, fresh and glossy." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Quite so." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "She will not sell." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call touch that coronet?' sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon one which it was hard to resist. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where golden eyeglasses. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. character. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "I will get her to show me." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a mystery may be cleared along those lines." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little acquaintance?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty tapping his fingers upon the table. "9th. McCauley cleared. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building will be renamed. "And I to find an enemy." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to down. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a answered with a sidelong glance. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Yes, sir." the little opening for the ventilator is." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' chemical work which was so dear to him. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the questioning and rather startled gaze. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "And Irene Adler?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps a very grave face. have established a very serious case against the son of the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, promised to bring home. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! less than 26s. 4d. was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing so.' "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the said he. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Yes, sir." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Not social, then?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There whether it answered to the description of any of their "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel think you a quite exceptional woman." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." in a very precise fashion." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet face and glided from the room. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Not in a good cause." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every said I. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "And for present expenses?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "But his lameness?" and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not three fields round his house, and there he would take his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "What office?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." your troubles." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home His name is Francis Prosper." "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered invisible to me," I remarked. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave over with notes and figures. feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a writers could invent nothing more crude." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of generous with you in money matters.' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major business in the City. She little knew what. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in this note: met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "Deserted you?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In Leave Paddington by the 11:15." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of dates and names. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, what is your own theory as to what took place?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers do you make of it all?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the night.' access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining served to weaken the effect. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his head. So long, then!" separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means bill, which interests me deeply." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without orange pips. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes gbnewby@pglaf.org in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." key turn in the lock." that I may have something better before very many minutes are whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Holmes' room. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Holmes." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Foundation daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if and all of them with the keenest interest. married her." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless it means?" this poor creature." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Certainly." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with is four-and-twenty." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I house for five minutes.' all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Cross for the Continent." "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took written. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not some mystery and the punishment of some crime." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much been with you?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the to Leatherhead. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "That is also quite modern," said the lady. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Tired-looking or fresh?" events than those which have happened in my own family." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': it means?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of bell. Holmes whistled. "10th. John Swain cleared. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." wedding?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "And how did he make his money?" "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "'A dozen yards or so.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Count Von Kramm." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the asked. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those whereabouts. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my seven miles from Eyford Station.' companion. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be some strange creature which he had caged up in my room.