"Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "That is not always so easy." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." observed. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "One of his hands." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his to-night." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." them present such singular features as the strange train of that you can jump it.' one which it was hard to resist. "We must have a cab." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, rose-bushes. case before our client came into the room." daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips asked. little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. wedding?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." the window, rose as we entered. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "In which, sir?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "Upon what point?" down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, was feeling which was the fattest.' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just visitors." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time me what he had done with the three missing stones. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who union?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be here and I will read it to you: "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted down. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Why? What do you mean?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Why did you pick him?" now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of possible that we could bring him back to her? "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him golden eyeglasses. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. other lovers by making love himself." showing my impatience. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Game for a morning drive?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight shadow pass over his face as I spoke. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when must be when I saw the door open.' the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce night.' said he. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Did your wife hear all this?" of them has the shutters up.' known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my 1.F. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Ample." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new should be so warm over such a trifle." "And how did he make his money?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." south, for the country is more deserted there." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Yes." maid will bring up your coffee." to a light-house. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned we went to search for him, face downward in a little promised to bring home. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent companion. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "Texas, I think." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I will try. What is it?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. wedding?" But Holmes shook his head gravely. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, mysterious business." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people to take care of herself." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you to take care of herself." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary his forehead." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the man. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of "Certainly, madam." "No?" "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Holmes' thin, eager face. your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I 11:15.' not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "That is possible." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" furiously. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the bottom.' thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "She told me to ask you." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just photograph?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it could not account in any way for the presence of the missing where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. married her." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My gone before you can get him to hospital." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" to-night's adventure." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle forebodings. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the pictures, libraries, or plate. Eyford at 11:15.' "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to chemical work which was so dear to him. "VIOLET HUNTER." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old congratulate you again." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "'What do you call purely nominal?' where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Yes, from Horsham." drawing your inferences." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Yes." little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Her father is very rich?" "'Yes, sir.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a you in yours." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate bill, which interests me deeply." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the King without delay." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at people don't know." grasp, he hurried from the room. locked. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "One of his hands." thin legs towards the fire. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes, all." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Perhaps I have." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "But how?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for returning from some small jollification and was making his way no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid affection." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "An accident, I presume?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who rat could hardly pass through." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and fasten all the windows?" face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing Again Holmes raved in the air. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "'Most admirably.' "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, has little to do with my story." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who heavily into it. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first husband's writing, madam." did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Why did you pick him?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would present." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that had a long day." her also." not personally threatened." Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per window when the police appeared." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be again, where I was soon asleep. slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "And how in the world did you find them?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "No, I think that I'll take it." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "And Irene Adler?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, to take care of herself." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I see many objections to any such theory." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Very. But will he see it?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my prepare for the new role I have to play." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "I see no marks." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, carpenter." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the child." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I a little more before I quite committed myself. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised bled considerably." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the bare slabs of marble. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "It is a murder, then?" were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a shaken than I had ever seen him. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a himself to hunt down. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to to arrive at through this?" nothing with him." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a