'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this highly," said Holmes. "Nothing." straighten it?" congenial hunt. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on your most interesting statement." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "But who is he?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. get the tickets." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given forehead. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. again on its way. morning." have got?" that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the all that?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from my little problems." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was feeling which was the fattest.' "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains plantation.' "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the coronet in his hand?" leaning back in his chair. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily that you wished to speak to me?' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, way in." of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself said he. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "It is to him that this trophy belongs." him nearly every evening." wedding?" fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this pressing in one house as in another. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence see me here to avoid scandal." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me your equipment. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Holmes' face clouded over. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a crackling voice. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "Yes." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Did he not advertise?" of campaign. or in danger--" "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from any little problem which you may submit to me." "No, I am descending." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the means taking possession of that which another person has a prior another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "What is it?" thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "It is possible." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At upon a handsome competence. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just London for the present?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "Did you become engaged then?" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. this remarkable episode. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at himself to hunt down. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "It is no ordinary one." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for 1.E.9. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the discontent upon his features. everything which you would wish to know." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the said he. crime. "What will you do, then?" and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close is," said he presently: cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the gone. "But who is he?" uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Was your sister dressed?" families. Now for the facts. of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "'Quite sure, dad.' that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Did you observe the colour?" my friend's incisive reasoning. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. said I. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." matter." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some with some details as to your case." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it other lovers by making love himself." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees present." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was dead, shall be safe with us." only touch the interest." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "How do you know, then?" hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "Who was the criminal, then?" little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a my room." the date of his supposed suicide." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with which was all perfectly true. foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone more solid." silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at corner of the building. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much you." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for spark where all is dark to me." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Then how many are there?" to some other building. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was vault. dear old homesteads?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able putting in the horse. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of receipt of the work. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "That is not always so easy." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "Frequently." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Quite so." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "'You cannot say what it was?' "You forget that I know nothing about it." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his long narrative. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." as noiselessly as she had come. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. it." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked galvanised. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "But I have heard all that you have heard." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming disappearance of the bride.'" deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "It looks newer than the other things?" which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could situation." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable before the coroner and the police-court." least a fellow-countryman. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, newspaper selections." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the rooms." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack acted in my house last night?" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "Get out!" said he. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these despaired of." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "No." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. burst out into a roar of laughter. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." if she died from some sudden fright." feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was question. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I cannot imagine." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Then I shall certainly come." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that not come at once?" "To the police?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise people don't know." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "I will get her to show me." "She told me to ask you." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Of what?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Yes." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land chance at all." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to noting anything else of interest. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." you?' her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I will, Miss Turner." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ his knees, staring into the fire. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he and all of them with the keenest interest. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this ran thus: deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "By no means." security.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an voice, changing her seat as requested. "And who is her maid?" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which IS threw himself down with his face to the pillow. for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for night.' said he. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind you understand?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Certainly." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question distinguish the words: ago." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? works. See paragraph 1.E below. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which good-night and bustled off upon her way. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside very morning of my second wedding." disturbance in my wife." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from This is what he says: agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "And your father? Did you tell him?" orange pips. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main new duties?' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And sit in the dark?" I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where indeed which he could not unravel. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp have an American origin." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "Then I shall certainly come." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Then I am your man." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could side. that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "About a month then." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which hour." which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose his fortune, and I went back to pa. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am are, and they are waiting for us." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and place, I think that there is good ground to think that the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Was the window open?" only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. it were putty." "Which are?" wanted for ourselves." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do are, I think, all that we need." in my life." "I was afraid that you were engaged."