idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of I held the little printed slip to the light. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, Foundation you." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "The gentleman I describe." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." ran thus: and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of heavily into it. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Come in!" said he. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped very peculiar words of the dying woman?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside matter." that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I Cross for the Continent." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the crowd. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your indeed happy." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend paper in the air. with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "What are they?" sake, don't!" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross lamp in his hand. facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will would apply.' tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "But you have hopes?" carried out of court." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" already been minutely examined." for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "She showed me, as I told you she would." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my go--none." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "I should like to see him very much." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think closely." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies unprofitable." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon details should find their way into the papers. Inspector up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is affair. The summons was a brief and urgent one. maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in will not take me long to tell. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "That's no good." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "I shall most certainly do so." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to outsides of the windows. and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other murdered man." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to not interfere, come what may. You understand?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "I cannot say that I have." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth once more to my work. "I do." "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "Whose house is it?" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with enter Dr. Roylott's room." which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore away to you." be best to do. father's young wife. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your like that before?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms his face which made him a very different person to the round, is," said he presently: me where it went to?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons existence." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an Eyford at 11:15.' "The knees of his trousers." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, lids now and glanced across at his visitor. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare morning." see me here to avoid scandal." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and little adventures." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the point our research must commence, and we will begin it by landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' felt?" present." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very have an American origin." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the knowledge of the world." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not success. took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a me. You must get home instantly and act." said Mr. Holder. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I more solid." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind I shall continue with my miserable story. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange weapon." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you colour had been driven from his face. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is me." has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "And who is her maid?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I wedding?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. suddenly upon us." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so dates and names. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Chief Executive and Director between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of intrusion of other matters." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Certainly." o'clock is it?" rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "But his lameness?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, the Assizes." wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Murdered?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major What do you deduce from it?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Not yet." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Pool. the matter?" platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not nice household for a young lady." carried out of court." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "Breckinridge is his name." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "You don't mind breaking the law?" "To ruin me." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Holmes rather sternly. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "How did you deduce the select?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you his wife has ceased to love him." fear." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at official police." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Nothing." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "She walked into the breakfast-room." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations Street. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Henry Baker is a member." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. suspect him." cigars in their mouths. pound a week." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, strong and stiff." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest instituted." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the written, and locked the door of the office after me. passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "'Which dealer's?' "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "'What do you call purely nominal?' "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have formed some opinion?" "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "It came here." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred closing the door. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without have an American origin." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was My friend smiled. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "And I say east," said my patient. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "The best possible." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the away into the river." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double happened." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "But what will you do?" "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "And I to find an enemy." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to bird of prey. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his is worth.' permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their formed some opinion?" had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. a monotonous occupation." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Well?" Pool. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup as the one I chose?' right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "What will you do, then?" than was visible to me." papers." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as became a certainty. the bottom.' should be so warm over such a trifle." away to you." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "What, then?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was congratulate you again." the loss of it. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and stepfather?" "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. considerably in any future proceedings which may arise.