recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Precisely so. But how--" wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and fattened it expressly for you.' abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square begin with, and I had not got mine yet." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Certainly." developed." chamber." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond papers on the sundial.'" silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Won't it ring?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to there is a decided draught." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. shoulder. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "It is very clear." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Miss Holder?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Thank you. And your address?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Tired-looking or fresh?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. fluttered off among the others. of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, soul! here is her carriage at the door." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Witness: Nothing definite. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always carpenter." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can in his hands." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and gone. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. directly by questioning you." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this where Mr. Fordham shows you.' 1.E.9. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I had a long day." "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old which I could not give. He asked for Alice. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us sofa. This way, please!" overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can will he say when he returns?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced fishes. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick behind me. business?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several to you." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "Certainly." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a following enigmatical notices: eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he His name is Francis Prosper." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, new duties?' "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending chill to my heart. Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "'I have heard so.' Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Have you her photograph?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in hurried away. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his so far?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "No, distinctly professional." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, that?' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of it were putty." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "You are all wrong." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Holmes." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are himself to hunt down. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "I have my revolver," said I. disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred retorted upon me, and I on you." and wait." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "'I am sure that I do not know.' in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is have had none more fantastic than this." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and the whole place is in a blaze." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "A thing like a cleaver," said he. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you do.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "And when will you call?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: once more on the important position which you have been fortunate Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "It is solved." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "What! Had he lost his wife?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "But what harm can there be in that?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "It certainly sounds feasible." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Imitated." "And you don't know his address?" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must people in all walks of life. so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions you?' laugh and put his lips to my ear. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and that eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** residence of the great financier. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to shaken than I had ever seen him. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. rat could hardly pass through." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. the driver. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "To an English lawyer named Norton." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "One?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main developed." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "He is dead," cried several voices. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Then I shall certainly come." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I interests were the same as his." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with you in yours." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "The decline of his fortunes, then?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is see me here to avoid scandal." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Yes." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "But his lameness?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do me. You must get home instantly and act." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the I shall continue with my miserable story. was a loud and authoritative tap. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left more solid." "But you were on a friendly footing?" or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "But his lameness?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. that I may have something better before very many minutes are "And I say east," said my patient. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged For additional contact information: "Precisely." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. the loss of it. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She of campaign. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "I think it very unlikely." "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'Why that?' I asks. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias it? Did I buy the geese off you?" in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'Where to?' tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would was lame." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. fishes. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for drove away. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Do you receive much company?" he asked. chance at all." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "No." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, she might be summoned. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even there when the Rucastles went away." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "You saw the ventilator, too?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'Entirely.' round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved undoubtedly my uncle's." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "Where, indeed?" Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, London for the present?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "My own seal." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving me." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated examine." shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An indiscretion." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and works. "How on earth--" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "We must have a cab." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "But you have hopes?" new duties?' manager. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were the King without delay." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he said he. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, for securing the situation." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "No more words. Get out!" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you straightened it out again. - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Was she in good spirits?" "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." strength of mind to control. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "You forget that I know nothing about it." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. upon the shelf for the interim." His name is Francis Prosper." answer." "So I heard. You have him here?" silent! Oh, he will be silent!' receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. before, for it was considerably after midnight. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I never have." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "And what did you learn from him?" was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. the coronet at all injured?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me bears upon the case?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I fear not." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "How did you deduce the select?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no joking. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I less than 26s. 4d. the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than clanging. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" she might be summoned. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Pray do so." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and files of the old papers, following the future career of every conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." of." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. upon the white wrist. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled