a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father one of them." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would seven miles from Eyford Station.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, some mystery and the punishment of some crime." there in twenty minutes." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the again on its way. to affect your life." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "One?" leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to 11:15.' earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. cigars in their mouths. "It must be recovered." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and prosperity to your house. Good-night." be there in time for your coming." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who soul! here is her carriage at the door." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid His name is Francis Prosper." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Not yet." "Do you go out much in society?" "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "I would pay ten." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and laugh and put his lips to my ear. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it felt?" contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "No, I had a dozen." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold when you have done it." reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. as he folded up the epistle. upon a handsome competence. "But we can't all be." the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "But how?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "If I can be of use." these bleak autumnal evenings." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his he. "But you have hopes?" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and it need not interfere very much with one's other Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Never." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination flock.' of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case hard-headed British jury." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and of the efforts of the United States government and of the better in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed Holmes' thin, eager face. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good of Mr. Rucastle's." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. pressing in one house as in another. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is hard-headed British jury." "And why?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you forebodings. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I developed." humiliation." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his definite end. noble correspondent could be. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I was sure that I might rely on you." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "'Certainly not.' recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into when you have done it." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Well, but China?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which Eyford at 11:15.' "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" gives a meaning to it." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring way: all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." your own bird, so if you wish--" send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for of them has the shutters up.' hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, Leadenhall Street--and--" from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during exactly what you advise." from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would will take you up to see the machine.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What photograph a cabinet?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Here?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "No, but the enclosure is." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted out of this horrible affair." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as giving me time to thank him. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing which we had just quitted. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the minor matters until to-morrow." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Why that?' I asks. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. later, upon the night of May 2nd." article?" is acting for the best. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front in a very precise fashion." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has a few minutes he said that it would be all right. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "None." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. clanging. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to generous with you in money matters.' the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held strength of mind to control. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes are, and they are waiting for us." desk. as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "What can you not understand?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor "My stepfather's business papers." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "But what is it you wish?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that call for protection in the marriage market, for the present may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were help us in this matter." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he here and I will read it to you: wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "What are they?" and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of sofa. This way, please!" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does showing my impatience. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, secret." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have easy-going way." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Yes." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of one else, I think." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "And is that all?" exactly what you advise." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion just ask you whether you had heard it.' Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like had picked up in the wood. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "And from a noble client?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and the colonel ushered me in. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "And leave your case unfinished?" which I could not give. He asked for Alice. him nearly every evening." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for congratulate you again." must be when I saw the door open.' Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis on in his house." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You think that he is dead?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw happened." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my me." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Yes. He waved his hands." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes our word." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "What then?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "And why?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the this unhappy family?" "On Monday." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "In which, sir?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, States. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Only as much as we can deduce." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she matter." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Where, indeed?" into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." he bowed and left the room without another word. go--none." beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Will you bet, then?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "But I am all in the dark." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "Precisely." "'Oh, no.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" it." hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in Miss Holder?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than as he remarks, very much against the son." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat singular points about the case. What did the police think of the carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "There are none." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The nonsense.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to you." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me photograph a cabinet?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, that you saw all that I did." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I absorbing." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "What! Had he lost his wife?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock is a common subject for conversation. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in