the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "But his lameness?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by was shining brightly. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a than to us. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, forebodings. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but me. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" ourselves in the office." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself garden below. upon the shelf for the interim." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in place of silver." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "You heard nothing yourself last night?" was a loud and authoritative tap. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," highly," said Holmes. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock the matter." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Sholtos." desk. "That is unusual in a young girl." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite events than those which have happened in my own family." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was some city in a dream. pressing in one house as in another. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Where does the thing come from?' certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Then how many are there?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was a good hundred miles off by now." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside derbies." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do perplexity from it to my illustrious client. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real if I call to-morrow?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of have got?" "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been really the only notable feature about the thing." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone here." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant note?" events, Mr. Windibank!" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Did he not advertise?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little had no one to advise her at such a crisis." article?" expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "Awake, Watson?" he asked. more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party question. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Doctor, of the paper and the date." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it asked. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Eyford at 11:15.' give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do thin legs towards the fire. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. acquaintance?" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, to surprise her." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Imitated." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door trying to your nerves." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have union?" compunction about shooting them down." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "One of his hands." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Pool. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His strong and stiff." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so any more." directors, with the result that you have seen." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "So it appears." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able assist you in forming an opinion." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not them, and came down just as you departed. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and This is what he says: been." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "My opinion is in no way altered." "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Then you may entirely rely on me." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the wanted for ourselves." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "That also I could fathom." room had already been engaged for us. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage success. there." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "Quite so." "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "Then I do not see the point." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole British peeress.'" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "'Which dealer's?' connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "But she will refuse." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round sneer upon his pale face. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The Cedars?" "Very truly yours, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "Here?" dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his was it brought him the coronet? hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing will be renamed. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he my former friend and companion. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The me have 200 pounds?' Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." became a certainty. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by some water from a caraffe. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "'I am sure that I do not know.' to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered yourselves in at night?" the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, confronted him. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more 'please.'" occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "How about poison?" "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning have not had my rubber." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the several quiet little villages up there." paper in the air. "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are bled considerably." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so six. Come in!" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Never to return." any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Was she in good spirits?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Yes." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my unprecedented a position." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very points in connection with it which never have been, and probably sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be better in every way that they should make their position a little in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "I don't say that. Perhaps." too. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of Holmes." "No, I think that I'll take it." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading mystery." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Sutherland. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "My last client of the sort was a king." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his too. said I. The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "Were they all fastened this morning?" forehead. "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of people don't know." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the fat-encircled eyes. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "The vanishing of the lady." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "Perfectly so." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "My dear Holmes!" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining spare." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police client, rising. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. these bleak autumnal evenings." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "No." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. had formerly been in part my own. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'I am sure if I had known--' woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of figure." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "What of the rat, then?" was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the village inn over there?" was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the distinguish the words: had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the the child." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "And what did you see?" "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." only touch the interest." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, appeared upon the scene." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of tied." woman." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable crime." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Then you may be so with me." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that room?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered