here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Proceed, then." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in to take care of herself." 11:15.' "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "When did she vanish, then?" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were the salesman. Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "He might." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "If I can be of use." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' DISSOLVED. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'Ten to two.' and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Then what has happened to him?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'You doubt its value?' he asked. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the coronet in his hand?" had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say to some other building. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and conduct the inquiry." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre The summons was a brief and urgent one. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "What then?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a followed. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a green of the new foliage. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in father's young wife. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some the coronet in his hand?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" cup of tea. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can nonsense.' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." from the brougham. have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "Very truly yours, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. cost them two and thirty pounds." directors, with the result that you have seen." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign these bleak autumnal evenings." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would signal between you and your father? "Will you bet, then?" "And leave your case unfinished?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "Yes." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in skylight. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "I answered that I had not. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I think it very unlikely." furiously. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "Which are?" locked. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Holmes, the busybody!" "Why did you beat the pavement?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "That also I could fathom." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they spare." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "It certainly sounds feasible." "No, thank goodness, she did not." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared the window, rose as we entered. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "I will try. What is it?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "And how did you verify them?" "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I bell. Holmes whistled. "'You cannot say what it was?' "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Yes, sir." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes the coronet in his hands?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any chair. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked face and glided from the room. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "That sounds a little paradoxical." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Perfectly so." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an voice. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition them?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but present." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I appeared upon the scene." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "My own seal." that you saw all that I did." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the and put his glass in his pocket. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check mysterious business." "On your arm?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "What I expected to see." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." bell. Holmes whistled. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some read over the extraordinary announcement. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the front of me. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a of it with the greatest attention. "That also I could fathom." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "But what is it you wish?" came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to quick march!" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend which was all perfectly true. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the shag which I had seen upon the previous night. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, bare slabs of marble. "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell she to prove their authenticity?" case before our client came into the room." to tell." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of row." "Then the page we have seen--" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "It certainly sounds feasible." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something was not a bird to be seen there. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and kind enough to tell me what I should do." peculiar to him. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have them?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "And did you observe any change in her then?" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in been deceived." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "That was it, sir." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the or other trace. But how on earth--" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "Quite so." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, is worth.' cigars in the box." The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with directors, with the result that you have seen." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All said he. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Precisely." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than she slowly sank and died without having recovered her eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; one else, I think." by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Yes, certainly." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me and looked back. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and have I gained?" Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "Has he come with you to-night?" "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Why that?' I asks. made him keep the appointment." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little never came back." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own the south-west, I see." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical national property. I was determined that the law should have its of the one which your family is now devouring." "Why did you beat the pavement?" list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "And the cigar-holder?" scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love that he has suffered." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Well." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "And you can do nothing until then?" wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something yet." works. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Yes, it would be as well." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole whatever might befall. learned something! Where are the gems?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to straighten it?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very 1.F. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken had no one to advise her at such a crisis." his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, charged with?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes eavesdroppers?' ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which leaning back in his chair. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" with some details as to your case." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." conclusions. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "I was sure that I might rely on you." but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must opportunities to fix the problem. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable of it with the greatest attention. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "Pray let us have it, for all that." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "Married! When?" low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Absolutely?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without laugh and put his lips to my ear. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was quite distinctive." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Was there a secret marriage?" cigar and let me expound." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come guilty parties." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his