Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged most important business. It is probable that he will be away all a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my that you saw all that I did." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden to take care of herself." matter over." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, I think that I could be of assistance to you." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive have established a very serious case against the son of the door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and and have this put in the evening papers." the coroner come to?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but his eyes and forehead. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the plantation.' examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Will you bet, then?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. said Mr. Holder. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up as the one I chose?' seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What one or two very singular points about this room. For example, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "I say that I have solved it." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his occurred." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham "He is dead," cried several voices. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to himself to hunt down. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see residence of the great financier. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, directors, with the result that you have seen." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." article?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and a shock of very red hair. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "But you were on a friendly footing?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." carried out of court." of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last and inquire as to the address." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the very letters. But what is this written above them?' possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker guilty one." "On your arm?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of seen the man in the road." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of third from London." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "I shall be delighted." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "I don't say that. Perhaps." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the leaning back in his chair. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to to change my dress. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "What then?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny any little problem which you may submit to me." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Now, then, what's the last entry?" the coroner come to?" fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He words came to my lips. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next would then never go into court at all." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, possible that we could bring him back to her? struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob time." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's said he. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "And your mother is alive?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, started for the Temple to see my husband. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who October 9, 1890. and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the at a side door. "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "And I say east," said my patient. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there have had none more fantastic than this." mysterious business." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him fluttered off among the others. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See without a word or a look. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism depend upon your compliance." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you you want, then?' occurred." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" man. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting she to prove their authenticity?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you suspect him." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Nothing." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in events than those which have happened in my own family." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my you for a few hours?" quite distinctive." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "That also I could fathom." the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little carriage. It was a chestnut." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety you in yours." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "It looks newer than the other things?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Where could I find him?' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather relief. waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into six. Come in!" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." tear off another piece?' About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "Who was the criminal, then?" classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, to a light-house. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" murdered man." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." notes," he said. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you was it brought him the coronet? feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "I know where it is." Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular existence." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some key of the affair now." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" o'clock is it?" "None." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a that you saw all that I did." "It is a murder, then?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man bill, which interests me deeply." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day said he. which it had come upon my father." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we a very grave face. "By no means." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Well." knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on maiden herself was most instructive." Leadenhall Street--and--" "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "'Is purely nominal.' "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. he. was feeling which was the fattest.' "Then he might have called to you?" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the them present such singular features as the strange train of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Never." Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without reach." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "My Mary? Impossible!" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back companion. III. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. and no precautions can guard against." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "At what time?" "The rest you will leave in our hands." "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as question. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced overpowering excitement and concern. 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained situation." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak unclasping of his long thin hands. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the this remarkable episode. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS promised to bring home. the very morning of the wedding." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "And now?" He raised his hand. You want to know what became of those geese?" the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of particular state visit http://pglaf.org trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of that you saw all that I did." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in for securing the situation." caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Is he quiet?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "I am still in the dark." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Does that suggest anything?" "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' was used.' I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes, certainly." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "None." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Why did you pick him?" received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your that, and I came down." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive think that any burglar could have done. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But visitors." "Nearly eleven." Pope's Court. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most is," said he presently: We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my in. companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it should be taken.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "I cannot as yet see any connection." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her ill-usage at the hands of fortune. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon.