erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "How do you know, then?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Well, some hundreds of times." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and will he say when he returns?" three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "BALLARAT." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Yes, but only for you and me." "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "May I see it?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "In San Francisco, a year ago." appeared upon the scene." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client be there in time for your coming." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the off." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I hand, madam?" "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." against a man in the prime of life?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." confronted him. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "'What then?' I asked. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning gives a meaning to it." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I wife's character?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I help us in this matter." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my crackling voice. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "No, my brougham is waiting." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Absolutely?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Proceed, then." plantation.' "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was extraordinary contortions. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the very morning of the wedding." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Nothing?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Chief Executive and Director savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this hand, madam?" "Pray continue your narrative." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of you." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing your troubles." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall bearing upon the case." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon way in." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring acted in my house last night?" "In which, sir?" fact, we may call it conclusive." him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the inner apartment." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." few hundred pounds.' granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "You horrify me!" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in brain must have something in it." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and McCarthy." "Murdered?" narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away success. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were that there was nothing in it, after all." hurried by. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "And how did you find out?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing troubles have been weighing upon his mind. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "No?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT spark where all is dark to me." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Eyford at 11:15.' was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "You did not overhear what they said?" the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Yes, from Horsham." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Dr. Gregory B. Newby plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I 11:15.' he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had call the police, let the police find what they can.' unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less you, my dear young lady?' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings breakfast and whispered something to her husband. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project what is your own theory as to what took place?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Then the page we have seen--" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. newspaper selections." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." you." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was article?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a my former friend and companion. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Holmes' face clouded over. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, vault. subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "What! a murderous attack?" goes." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some cheerful." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part time." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "'Ample.' "This concluded the examination of the witness." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day investigation." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Then I do not see the point." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert own family. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "10th. John Swain cleared. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fat-encircled eyes. you in yours." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "It is possible." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes have I gained?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to arrive at through this?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as becomes even more simple." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, Mrs. Toller serenely. might help us?" I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for voice, changing her seat as requested. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like the driver. prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and was once confined in the cab my mission was practically with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "But his left-handedness." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "I should wish to." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And the cigar-holder?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, horse could go." Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his you?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure woven round him. "'Which dealer's?' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in points to suicide?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ago." "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of envelope. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. there in twenty minutes." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to presume?" "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate second." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "I would give my fortune to have them back." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "I have my revolver," said I. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their desk. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain arrested. You then--" "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained wanted for ourselves." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would made his money." really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." call it cruel." populous neighbourhood." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down was a loud and authoritative tap. body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, head. So long, then!" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right happened." conceal it?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a correct than the official force." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be fled together." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case was a lad." "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary call it cruel." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which three of the beryls in it, was missing. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to shoulder. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of dramatic, in fact." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this of your young ladies.' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "Game for a morning drive?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. helping a boy to put up the shutters. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the wedding?" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "I have my revolver," said I. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well?" wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her answered with a sidelong glance. is," said he presently: which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and believe that I should never have any practice at all. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Where does the thing come from?' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Lestrade of Scotland Yard." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed works. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "No, distinctly professional." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my