our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Seven!" I answered. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a morning." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. "It is half-past ten now." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Not yet." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their way: have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many Stoke Moran." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes once more to my work. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became be best to do. something of him before." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'I have already given you my word.' have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the miles off. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "What shall I do?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've very peculiar words of the dying woman?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the coronet in his hands?" "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful IS was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I have hopes." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw minor matters until to-morrow." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "What can you not understand?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until fear." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bird of prey. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in three fields round his house, and there he would take his he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Literary Archive Foundation test if we have an answer to our advertisement." outside." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, business in the City. She little knew what. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which is four-and-twenty." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward that, and I came down." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "About a month then." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to attention." at my remark. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been directors have had misgivings upon the subject." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I 1.F. and put his glass in his pocket. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking colour had been driven from his face. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, emerged. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Is he quiet?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "Do you know him?" she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What! Had he lost his wife?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out I nodded again. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet ill-usage at the hands of fortune. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure shoulder; "he's all right." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can the stones. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of Mr. Rucastle's." on in his house." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond I was concerned in it." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the woven round him. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social green of the new foliage. opportunities to fix the problem. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "How did he come?" fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not made his money." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream or in danger--" this unhappy family?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "If I can be of use." asked. keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "The King of Scandinavia." without a word or a look. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Thank you. Pray proceed." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation do.' think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "Yes, that is the Crown." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I husband's writing, madam." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Not I." "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the bed, and you in that chair." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "And I to find an enemy." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he said I. meanly of me." to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "What I expected to see." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Certainly." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." coat-tails." you?" might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "How often?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, records." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close business in the City. She little knew what. this poor creature." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' know that the truth is known." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and direction." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Certainly." widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad and I shall be with you presently." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an spark where all is dark to me." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It is possible." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "How can you tell that?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as this remarkable episode. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for orange pips. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Yes, from Horsham." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my "No, thank goodness, she did not." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Precisely." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." into the room. glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "No bad?" has little to do with my story." Munro.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been hardly wander." in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step breakfast." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each there were one or two details which were new to me. But the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you But Holmes shook his head gravely. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, that I may have something better before very many minutes are "So I am. Very much so." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to Leatherhead. other, as fresh and trim as possible. to-night?" I asked. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what here." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "No, my brougham is waiting." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "You were travelling in the States?" "Come in!" said he. about here speaks of his kindness to him." pierced for earrings?" Eyford at 11:15.' she might be summoned. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "ARAT," I read. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "And Irene Adler?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. him." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward wedding?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "Certainly." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "No?" "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her she might be summoned. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "An accident, I presume?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." papers on the sundial.'" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was carpenter." "How can you tell that?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were