feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors to where he stood hid behind the curtain. hardly wander." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to depend upon your compliance." quick march!" When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end back into the street. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "That also I could fathom." good for you to do.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and have this put in the evening papers." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'How far from the body?' the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "Will you bet, then?" been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, words came to my lips. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet maid will bring up your coffee." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the situation." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 as the one I chose?' "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried it right.' he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the knowledge of the world." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Do you receive much company?" he asked. awkward doing business with an alias." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on both be extremely obliged.' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said been deceived." enter into my head. "And how did you verify them?" pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. chambers. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Which are?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "It is a murder, then?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "But how?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH wedding?" Serpentine Avenue. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was Lestrade of Scotland Yard." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Stoke Moran?" said he. "And the cigar-holder?" purpose of examination. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now your own bird, so if you wish--" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on approach us with offers to donate. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he views." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you your billet.' "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Arthur Conan Doyle of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than for the market.' quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for friends, not even his own brother. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "'Never.' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and tapping his fingers upon the table. face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" arrangements." would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the armchair which I pushed forward for him. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, companion quietly. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the money should be paid at once.' which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still observed. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" Countess of Morcar's?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of returned to France?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done sufficient punishment." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." conversation I have gathered that they have been married about well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name stammered. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'What, the red-headed man?' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into woman." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "How can you tell that?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who stood on the top of it. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a geese which you supplied to the Alpha." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself get her out of the way." and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "But how?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was again before evening." 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." asked. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from see me here to avoid scandal." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "I have a cab outside." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no him nearly every evening." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, fluttered off among the others. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'What, the red-headed man?' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Nothing?" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' front of me. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "Did you observe the colour?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Quite so." be there in time for your coming." system of imprisonment?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I quite distinctive." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I been lifted and conveyed somewhere." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'And the work?' which our visitor detailed to us. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Then I shall certainly come." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was out." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that this Miss Turner." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "You are certainly joking, Holmes." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have were wasted." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "And how did he make his money?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend morning." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from Munro.' this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "But he might be a bachelor." http://www.gutenberg.net fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew south, for the country is more deserted there." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have read it out to me." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than fact, we may call it conclusive." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began crime. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of really the only notable feature about the thing." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "But we can't all be." "And now?" I asked. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and capable of preserving a secret.' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This distance from the station, and there we found the young lady at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, quick march!" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "It is very kind of you." Sutherland. Leadenhall Street--and--" out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his presented more singular features than that which was associated "Then he might have called to you?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is him to be an active member of the medical profession." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he are windows in it, of course?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, DISSOLVED. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "Not particularly." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the coroner's jury." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official himself in a perplexing position. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time over part of the map. "What do you read?" money should be paid at once.' my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent interest. They are important, you understand, without being The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "'Where to?' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "His face fell immediately. outside. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are hurried away. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by fait accompli?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a went to the Alpha were town bred." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, tapping his fingers upon the table. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the breakfast and whispered something to her husband. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "None." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, been shamefully used." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the inner apartment." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up had this final quarrel? in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "You forget that I know nothing about it." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "You forget that I know nothing about it." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I tapping his fingers upon the table. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ran thus: "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "That is not always so easy." "No, finished." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to to a light-house. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and no precautions can guard against." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "She showed me, as I told you she would." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with place, I think that there is good ground to think that the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to hands. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't tell them apart.' eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, name is different." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. friend's singular character. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." other means.' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance legal crime." and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal may never be exposed to such a temptation." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact orange pips. it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers Where does the thing come from?' wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Come in!" said Holmes. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg garden below. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Which surely he restored to their owner?"