send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of society." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil prepare for the new role I have to play." past. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to You can understand that this register and diary may implicate heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one in my life." room had already been engaged for us. intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "But I have heard all that you have heard." wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. words came to my lips. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a prove to be little relation between the different incidents of filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "Who was the criminal, then?" people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal him to go away.' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "In the cells." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Not in a good cause." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." point in the dark hollow of his hand. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" secret." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat his wife has ceased to love him." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing I approached. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural The events in question occurred in the early days of my future lives." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the window, rose as we entered. much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to so.' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "But it has twice been burgled." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. during which he might have communicated with his friend the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before paper in the air. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "And the murderer?" cigar and let me expound." for and were ordered to this address. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "An accident, I presume?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "On your arm?" Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." rooms." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an Countess of Morcar's?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the back to my heart. "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" ceremony." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "That is not always so easy." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. that you saw all that I did." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the people don't know." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Not yet." carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more was the fact that his father should, according to his account, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Witness: Nothing definite. lost nothing by them." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Munro.' thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it pressing in one house as in another. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice the Friday. Was it to be in church?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has absolutely follow my advice in every respect." the matter?" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to assist you in forming an opinion." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, McCarthy." good-night and bustled off upon her way. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the was a lad." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross undoubtedly my uncle's." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "A call for help, you thought?" any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint good for you to do.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "What do you mean?" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. giving me time to thank him. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as had a long day." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded photograph a cabinet?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "'I shall certainly be there.' should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. geese which you supplied to the Alpha." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. been deceived." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Then I am your man." what do you think they found in the pockets?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "It was." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in it? Did I buy the geese off you?" villagers almost as much as their master. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Then I can wait in the next room." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Here?" permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, crackling voice. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more room had already been engaged for us. the tragedy. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his me. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "What will you say?" that the gas is not laid on in his house?" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to-night." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "I was afraid that you were engaged." to that open window." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear he. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid room?" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the suddenly upon us." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "And how did you find out?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a questioning and rather startled gaze. were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Then you may be so with me." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold conclusions. "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. IS "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "On Monday." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At for and were ordered to this address. through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange excitement. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put questioning and rather startled gaze. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of comes from the middle window." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every matter." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I nice household for a young lady." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the III. good-night and bustled off upon her way. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Absolutely?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Yes, they were peculiar boots." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face you want, then?' Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Not yet." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I galvanised. the driver. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her humiliation." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. people don't know." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to coat-tails." "Where did he live, then?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "Game for a morning drive?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 The King stared at him in amazement. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled annoyance, but no jest. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I will take you up to see the machine.' "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the bird of prey. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "But you would not advise me to refuse?" his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks tail." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs know all about it," he snarled. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah there were so many in the whole country as were brought together an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "It is no ordinary one." again." "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." notes," he said. conclusions. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Heh?' noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the inner apartment." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "You have a clue?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a murdered man." see a sister of mine apply for." shaken than I had ever seen him. trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her may never be exposed to such a temptation." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Where does the thing come from?' money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the child." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall prisoner's face. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards back into the street. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." my little problems." "I am still in the dark." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now rat could hardly pass through." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility