police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of posted to-day." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "In the cells." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he waste of energy." outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of paper in the air. "On Monday." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of that I may have something better before very many minutes are he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, business." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is see a sister of mine apply for." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as paper in the air. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "Yes. He waved his hands." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes sparkled upon his finger. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with nothing with him." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "At half-wages, in fact." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I guessed as much." observed. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Pray do so." crime." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother here." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the coronet in his hand?" granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had helping a boy to put up the shutters. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, bedroom door." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I am armed." not fit the lock." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "And how did he make his money?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we corner of the building. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "It is true that I have been generally successful." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a death." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the strength of mind to control. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know crime." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "What will you say?" arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the thin legs towards the fire. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Then I am your man." Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or written. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook of your young ladies.' Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "That is not always so easy." access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is bell. Holmes whistled. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "You have the photograph?" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and During two years I have had three consultations and one small the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among tied." telegram would bring me down to your help." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was one of the states of the Union." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself recall any case within my experience which looked at the first baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a not, dad?" she asked. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored to-night?" I asked. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I ways of our fellow-men." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to pressing in one house as in another. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Tired-looking or fresh?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Seven!" I answered. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, him!" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of husband's writing, madam." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have beyond words. "Married! When?" him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which danger is over." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "And from a noble client?" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "You have a clue?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "'What then?' I asked. "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea envelope. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Dirty?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She it." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Very truly yours, would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but do.' almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At families. Now for the facts. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "'Yes, it was gone.' feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, comes from the middle window." "You know me, then?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Was your sister dressed?" "What will you do, then?" served to weaken the effect. call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "It is possible." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is very clear." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I has little to do with my story." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." vanished into the darkness. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "It's nothing of the kind." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again have been better. It is all right." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. of receipt of the work. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to some terrible trap for her." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad again on its way. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will I was concerned in it." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "You know me, then?" nonsense.' chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness bonnet, and went out." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "To an end?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the nothing with him." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young to arrive at through this?" "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "What! a murderous attack?" "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "It is possible." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." later, upon the night of May 2nd." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "No, but the enclosure is." "'I shall certainly be there.' shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be she has been waylaid. There has been no result." suspect him." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Yes." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "But I have heard all that you have heard." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock out." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the things are very often connected not with the larger but with the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and said I. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions the one as in the other." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than wedding?" ourselves in the office." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, really the only notable feature about the thing." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I your most interesting statement." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "My dear Holmes!" freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the nonsense.' "And I to find an enemy." "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that of." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." thought that she would have been so carried away." salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "What have you to say now?" moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should II. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "I say that I have solved it." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all ashen face. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "How did that help you?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to four million human beings all jostling each other within the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I would give my fortune to have them back." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. written. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. article?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "But to whom?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of entirely devoid of interest." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here forehead. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.'