she to prove their authenticity?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us maid will bring up your coffee." "It was an hour's good drive." straightened it out again. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "'Yes, it was gone.' he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "Did he not advertise?" woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the directly by questioning you." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. Holmes. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "The gentleman I describe." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "But you were on a friendly footing?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but the one as in the other." directors, with the result that you have seen." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Pool. "By all means." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "The King of Scandinavia." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, to arrive at through this?" stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a but preventing her from injuring another. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "No more words. Get out!" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "Was she in good spirits?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. Does that suggest anything?" known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in that you wished to speak to me?' heavy and sharp instrument." fire. You quite follow me?" "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And did you observe any change in her then?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "That also I could fathom." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving comes from the middle window." "Yes, it would be as well." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Where, indeed?" fear." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my affection." works. See paragraph 1.E below. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "At what time?" took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall there!' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Holmes." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "It looks newer than the other things?" relief. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of the efforts of the United States government and of the better is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and his fortune, and I went back to pa. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' have not had my rubber." as yours." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just troubles have been weighing upon his mind. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling could go. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was crime. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after rat could hardly pass through." "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me fire. You quite follow me?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that kind enough to tell me what I should do." before the coroner and the police-court." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned sit on the left-hand side of the driver." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been more terrible than the truth. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Pray do so." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a disappearance of the bride.'" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect good for you to do.' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "I saw her in conversation with her maid." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your of campaign. man. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." Have you good authority for what you say?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that cheerful." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "Nearly eleven." "'Oh, no.' "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can his face. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich me, and I could not think that his explanation of the ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed seem to you to be relevant or not." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little you." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling way in." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's there is a decided draught." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with beg that you will break it off." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in to me. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Whose house is it?" not use it unless it is absolutely needed." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to was feeling which was the fattest.' I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at trying to your nerves." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who 'please.'" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders of note-paper. It read in this fashion: it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the enter Dr. Roylott's room." have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Ten will be early enough." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her likely to be some crony of the landlady's." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Your French gold?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Ten to two.' his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "She will not sell." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "Absolutely?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I read over the extraordinary announcement. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the King without delay." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Tired-looking or fresh?" hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "No, finished." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. populous neighbourhood." "'Yes, I promise.' Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me were unconscious?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my depend upon your compliance." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "And sit in the dark?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "What then?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Munro.' "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "What! a murderous attack?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Yes, sir.' paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, begin with, and I had not got mine yet." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and put his glass in his pocket. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my a very grave face. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I four million human beings all jostling each other within the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had presented which may be striking and bizarre without being running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have bachelor.' completely overtopped every other consideration that we both stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "And now?" He raised his hand. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done ready to-morrow?' "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I warn you that they are very incomplete." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "That is it on the dressing-table." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have without a word or a look. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "The decline of his fortunes, then?" letters?" "Could he throw no light?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety bell. Holmes whistled. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the you." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by like that before?" business?" way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." that?' must compliment you." absorbing." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "Yes." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part companion. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to time." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "'And the work?' where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried front of the hall door has given its name to the place. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not out." still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and never came back." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in the one as in the other." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Where, indeed?" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. said he at last. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You newspaper selections." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Will you go?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "Of Friday, June 19th." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the tragedy. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very me upon any point which I do not make clear." "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, London for the present?" Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "What have you to say now?" "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "To an end?" "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. second window is the one that I jumped from." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own