"The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Will you go?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, your own bird, so if you wish--" "It is his hat." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the secret." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little asked. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "And help." in. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And leave your case unfinished?" B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer roused himself from his reverie. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "I am following you closely," I answered. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Stoke Moran." within hail.' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon married her." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing since then to throw any light upon what became of him." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from with frightened eyes at his accuser. pressing in one house as in another. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated out of this horrible affair." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some wanted for ourselves." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the seem to you to be relevant or not." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Yes." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to and shall probably return to London by the evening train." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I say that I have solved it." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the see me here to avoid scandal." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It was a confession," I ejaculated. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a there has been an enclosure here!" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "I have come for advice." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story breakfast." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in one or two places in England?' "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No your only hope of safety." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You hour?' hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. shaken than I had ever seen him. his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and started for the Temple to see my husband. III. Munro.' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up reach." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I before the coroner and the police-court." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son strong and stiff." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, stammered. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn do you make of it all?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "No, I had a dozen." of the vacancies.' nonsense.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at in the dead of the night?' quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "You saw the ventilator, too?" "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "And you can do nothing until then?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Literary Archive Foundation autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked works. See paragraph 1.E below. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm Henry Baker is a member." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "What! You do not mean bodies?" newspaper selections." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "But you have hopes?" Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "But you were on a friendly footing?" perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man tail." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to me. You must get home instantly and act." "No." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the excitement. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'And what salary do you ask?' Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "No. What a strange idea!" "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "Nothing." "I am about to be married." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he here and I will read it to you: unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness had formerly been in part my own. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Stoke Moran?" said he. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, is acting for the best. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Oh, fresh and glossy." danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." congratulate you again." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "Imitated." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind rose-bushes. "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "My last client of the sort was a king." and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "By no means." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Yes." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the little opening for the ventilator is." violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Deserted you?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he horse could go." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "But I am all in the dark." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money what these perils are?" has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon generous with you in money matters.' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. of a light. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is individual and becomes the badge of a society." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "And did you observe any change in her then?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is it." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "We have tried and failed." quick march!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back of the way of danger. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "And your father? Did you tell him?" was feeling which was the fattest.' are, and they are waiting for us." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "No." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. said he. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And when will you call?" not, dad?" she asked. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, definite end. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "It is very kind of you." "Pray do so." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his strange features which were associated with the two crimes which Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "My dear Holmes!" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Ample." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by open." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered following enigmatical notices: "Then I am your man." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Not yet." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent seven miles from Eyford Station.' understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were in a very precise fashion." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is said he. there when the Rucastles went away." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "But of what society?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could salesman. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely acted in my house last night?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Pray do so." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter morning." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have without success. At last the little money which I had saved began along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should and I shall be with you presently." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the who was a member of your goose club." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the coronet at all injured?" confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most secret." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and put his glass in his pocket. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "And is that all?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the guilty parties." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Where did he live, then?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "What do you make of that, Watson?" attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "I assure you that I am in your hands." burst out into a roar of laughter. brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each disappearance of the bride.'" after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Yes, all." appointment with me for six o'clock?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when derbies." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to fear." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left all?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out empty. "I see no marks." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "But I have heard all that you have heard." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." closely." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar became a certainty. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Tired-looking or fresh?" of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "And leave your case unfinished?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No?" place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you ran thus: the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and him nearly every evening." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never