"Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. sooner or later she must fall a victim. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this taking in every detail of the apartment. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant door?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them thin legs towards the fire. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which think, you have already met." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he indeed which he could not unravel. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their the bottom.' north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in papers diligently of late, have you not?" act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you on in his house." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a tightly behind him. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Yes." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "'I have already given you my word.' Leadenhall Street--and--" purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east garden below. late!' "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears without success. At last the little money which I had saved began the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Watson," he said cordially. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line from you?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried a very grave face. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His about. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "My stepfather's business papers." we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the devil!" and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." a good hundred miles off by now." "The landlord of the Alpha." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "Did he not advertise?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "'Ten to two.' themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "It is no ordinary one." be.' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Never." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "It is true that I have been generally successful." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through absorbing." "I assure you that I am in your hands." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "Witness: It was. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Witness: It was. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "'Entirely.' "I never have." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "No, finished." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying easy-going way." retorted upon me, and I on you." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Then he might have called to you?" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "None." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying vault. Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I am all attention, madam." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his bare slabs of marble. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such shag which I had seen upon the previous night. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One residence of the great financier. Cross for the Continent." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a are windows in it, of course?" chair. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Yes, sir.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner possible that we could bring him back to her? "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his about. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his careless servant girl?" of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and files of the old papers, following the future career of every I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and questionable one." "He said too much." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the joking. "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'In my own bureau.' 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction carried out of court." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "And why in hopes?" urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, both be extremely obliged.' printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw lost his Christmas dinner." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" there when the Rucastles went away." Does that suggest anything?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident writing, and yet I know it well." until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand disappearance of the bride.'" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "That you are never beaten." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission passage and a tap at the door. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his to change my dress. "How are you getting on?" "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "My stepfather's business papers." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and straighten it?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "At what time?" "I cannot think." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it silent! Oh, he will be silent!' is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor his eyes and forehead. cheerful." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in a friendly supper." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sofa. This way, please!" The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg over here." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Dr. Gregory B. Newby to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would look upon these things in a different way." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity question you as to those details which seem to me to be most autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the dangers which encompass me." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Yes, the wine-cellar." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped this Miss Turner." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he me upon any point which I do not make clear." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, think, you have already met." he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most shoulder; "he's all right." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. occupations.' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "BALLARAT." morning." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "I have a cab outside." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "What will you do, then?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "And on what day did he meet his death?" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Certainly, madam." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. together. "I assure you that I am in your hands." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" 11:15.' my special province." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to up this clue while it is still hot." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. address. what do you think they found in the pockets?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which you want, then?' "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "My last client of the sort was a king." "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." way: head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your whole matter to your consideration." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "'I have already given you my word.' against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and the driver. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "But what is it you wish?" "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "No." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. business?" "Come in!" said Holmes. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the foot. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "But how did you gain them?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Not I." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of held up the lantern and gazed about him. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "None." "'Where to?' it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "9th. McCauley cleared. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "I should wish to." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two occupations.' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "The murder was done with it." "Never." man. I know him from the photograph." so.' which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "He is dead," cried several voices. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "That was it, sir." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I don't believe it." "Eh? What was that?" small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "'What, the red-headed man?' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. looking up at the numbers of the houses." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where had this final quarrel? stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was writers could invent nothing more crude." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the me. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his to change my dress. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but,