perplexity from it to my illustrious client. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The prove to be little relation between the different incidents of firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we is acting for the best. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Have you good authority for what you say?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and to a light-house. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Pray tell us what has happened to you." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that them present such singular features as the strange train of delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young away to you." in his hands." asked. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "What of the rat, then?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, window when the police appeared." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "At the wedding breakfast." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "'Quite sure, dad.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "And did you observe any change in her then?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "To an English lawyer named Norton." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to look upon these things in a different way." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more secret." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at which was all perfectly true. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, promised to bring home. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, triumphant cloud from his cigarette. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather geese which you supplied to the Alpha." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss my former friend and companion. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue danger is over." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning had died away into the silence from which it rose. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings to some other building. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "It missed him, then?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that father's young wife. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." least a fellow-countryman. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "'It is locked up,' I answered. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "Why, what do you mean?" "Nothing?" drawing your inferences." "So I have heard." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my since then to throw any light upon what became of him." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with Sutherland?" But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "It's nothing of the kind." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "We have tried and failed." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" horse could go." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some to-morrow." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same with you?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. said he. to miss it." memory. brain must have something in it." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a them?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no child?' ordinary clothes on?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "And how?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "And you don't know his address?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "A confidential servant?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we think that any burglar could have done. better grown goose." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The him. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "But how?" companion imperturbably. deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, have established a very serious case against the son of the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "I know where it is." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must province." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" wife's character?" imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "Nothing." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. all?" keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation weary and pale-looking. "No, I had a dozen." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade sake, don't!" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and over with notes and figures. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. 1.F. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. brain must have something in it." "I say that I have solved it." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Yes, at the mines." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "It is to him that this trophy belongs." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. that you saw all that I did." business in the City. She little knew what. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave certainly not very gracious." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, tell them apart.' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "No." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. you want, then?' himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "Not in a good cause." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Nothing." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do exactly what you advise." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Most admirably.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at figure." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we business came to an end." my former friend and companion. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" lips." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Sutherland?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "'Yes, sir.' "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "'Stolen!' he cried. "But how?" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his which I could not give. He asked for Alice. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "What is it, then--a fire?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided so.' business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "At what time?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined Street. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fasten all the windows?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Where, then?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition girl said." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Awake, Watson?" he asked. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your off." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. have established a very serious case against the son of the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "And how did you find out?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" him." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, opened the door, and slipped through. do.' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this sofa. This way, please!" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fasten all the windows?" I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "Upon what point?" While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we to his chemical studies. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. him to be an active member of the medical profession." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, will not take me long to tell. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and "Witness: It was. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried noble correspondent could be. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Not social, then?" "He said that you could solve anything." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." were wasted." "None. Neville wrote those words." forebodings. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I morning." dramatic, in fact." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "You saw the ventilator, too?" who was a member of your goose club." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "Quite so." chambers. "Where did you address your letters, then?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps before, for it was considerably after midnight. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, open." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a becomes even more simple." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two characteristics, but those are the more obvious." you." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "None." that he has suffered." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Well, but China?" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or upon the sideboard." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel chance." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to of a light. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little