of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "If so, much may have happened between." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Nothing?" delirious. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." with her." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Upon what point?" it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to talk it over. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I article?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "What then?" cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What are they?" his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his felt the room to be a little close.' it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at meant it for the best. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune interest. They are important, you understand, without being wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we which we had just quitted. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "But how did you gain them?" transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "It certainly sounds feasible." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "How many? I don't know." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my simple cases which are so extremely difficult." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "What will you do, then?" Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "What I expected to see." "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the wife's character?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his grey eyes. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the side-table." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "'And the work?' had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. strode off upon his way. are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it locked. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my have an American origin." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches there was no need for father to know." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body hour." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may gigantic client. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, persecution?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has stood on the top of it. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "We were both in the photograph." of receipt of the work. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler the best of training." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned least a fellow-countryman. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One woman." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I have hopes." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. manager. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know must be when I saw the door open.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. that you wished to speak to me?' determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had least a fellow-countryman. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we rose-bushes. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to shaken than I had ever seen him. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey for the market.' "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "How did that help you?" "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and sake, don't!" the general public were present, then?" flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the learned something! Where are the gems?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" little adventures." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, room?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things whereabouts. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Here?" "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to learned something! Where are the gems?" "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "But what harm can there be in that?" woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "What is it?" "The knees of his trousers." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" companion. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the there has been an enclosure here!" the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" secret." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "It was a confession," I ejaculated. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "It is true that I have been generally successful." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, morning." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "And I." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "But I have heard all that you have heard." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do other means.' "How did that help you?" you?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his you in your example." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body depend upon your compliance." him to be an active member of the medical profession." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. gentleman's clothes. "I have seen the police." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and have this put in the evening papers." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing crime." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon wedding?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Precisely." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Then how many are there?" I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far despaired of." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and and that he would see to anything that turned up. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "May I see it?" detained." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that very peculiar words of the dying woman?" which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London business." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into to a light-house. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." said Mr. Holder. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was I was concerned in it." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "That you are never beaten." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do 'I should be able to look after that for you.' to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had strength in the others." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden detained." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you Eyford." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or fasten all the windows?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and leaning back in his chair. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some guilty parties." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most him." overpowering excitement and concern. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there prisoner's face. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I heavily into it. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. was a loud and authoritative tap. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Were they all fastened this morning?" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever away into the river." and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "How did you deduce the select?" value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Nothing." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. too. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and notes," he said. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the dangers which encompass me." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." indeed which he could not unravel. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a have accepted such a situation. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real from you?" "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "Upon what point?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "'Not at all. I only doubt--' death." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Murdered?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "Why serious?" "And Irene Adler?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "But it has twice been burgled." "I do." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards to where he stood hid behind the curtain. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search without success. At last the little money which I had saved began fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "One horse?" interjected Holmes. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "The knees of his trousers." for the market.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the