she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Well, but China?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It death." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually to-night?" I asked. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence the Red-headed League." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "We have tried and failed." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the detained." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to that threaten you." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Yes, from Horsham." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to flock.' passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Thank you. Pray proceed." or in danger--" whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "I do." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is come either from the window or the door. My attention was Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the your only hope of safety." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Dark enough and sinister enough." examine." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "How about poison?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen you." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking the matter?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his wanted for ourselves." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, very old mansion. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She behind me. is worth.' the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre mystery." the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either minor matters until to-morrow." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by forbidden door. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the inner apartment." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended pity, because in other respects you would really have done very right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic there when the Rucastles went away." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "A confidential servant?" misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless guilty parties." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, floor. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you pictures, libraries, or plate. the date of his supposed suicide." "'Where to?' crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs bell. Holmes whistled. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the points to suicide?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming compunction about shooting them down." This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and suspect him." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress me. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, beg that you will break it off." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." a good hundred miles off by now." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "No, distinctly professional." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "He slept on the premises." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre that you wished to speak to me?' cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "Not in the least." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over once more. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to of his shoulders. wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "The Cedars?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a to where he stood hid behind the curtain. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then weapon." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the salesman. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would thin legs towards the fire. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Did he not advertise?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I noting anything else of interest. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Imitated." Does that suggest anything?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered towards the blaze. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect once more. "By all means." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings to arrive at through this?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while ordinary clothes on?" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would carried out of court." "What do you make of that, Watson?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "You have the photograph?" I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "And now?" I asked. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you forehead. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he is four-and-twenty." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His disappearance of the bride.'" been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Nothing." we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'Never,' said I. http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, peculiar to him. Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'How far from the body?' "Yes, from Horsham." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would hair?' tear off another piece?' suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "But I have heard all that you have heard." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with do you make of it all?" posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied so far?" from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "It came here." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Yes, it was twisted." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical presented which may be striking and bizarre without being 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were outside." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "It is solved." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible if only as a check to my own memory." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat to his chemical studies. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This might help us?" is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is read over the extraordinary announcement. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us one else, I think." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without events than those which have happened in my own family." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Yes, at the mines." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry go from here to the Strand." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his both be extremely obliged.' "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the whole matter to your consideration." "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion business in the City. She little knew what. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "What will you say?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "But how did you gain them?" closely." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now highly," said Holmes. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Did you become engaged then?" "Yes, it was twisted." assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to to change my dress. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that bare slabs of marble. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies unprecedented a position." conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to will be renamed. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, The summons was a brief and urgent one. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, the matter?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I was mad--insane." to miss it." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Yes, there are nearly always some there." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The locked." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "You horrify me!" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be lamp in his hand. your bag." which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, October 9, 1890. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "Could he throw no light?" "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Yes, they were peculiar boots." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A possible that we could bring him back to her? sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Which surely he restored to their owner?" We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And why in hopes?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges unprecedented a position." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what clanging. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "'About the same.' fattened it expressly for you.' inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance,"