"The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of eat it." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother presented more singular features than that which was associated stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "How about poison?" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave and the colonel ushered me in. "Then, how do you know?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Holmes' thin, eager face. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, him to go away.' fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the his cane at the bell-pull. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. gives a meaning to it." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "Then, as to money?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "So it appears." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Yes." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and unkempt, staring out at me. opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than impression behind it as though a window had gently closed table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "He might." "You saw the ventilator, too?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "I shall be delighted." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have likely to be some crony of the landlady's." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. experiences." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I never have." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic than to us. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban footfalls from the street. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and read over the extraordinary announcement. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would a suggestive one." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies directors, with the result that you have seen." over here." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to him, that man would not have given me such complete information his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "But how did you gain them?" "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock I approached. inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "In what way?" asked Holmes. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, Watson," he said cordially. there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six my room." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' conceal it?" the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, acquaintance?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "What! You do not mean bodies?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather was lame." In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices entirely lost his self-respect." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue that?' such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident away into the river." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the companion. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press the loss of it. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of the matter." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest presented more singular features than that which was associated gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Well?" surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "How on earth--" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and could go. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those important." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his you." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' persecution?" going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Why did you pick him?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the bill, which interests me deeply." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is woven round him. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. through." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my bonnet, and went out." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "'Then let me do so?' "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a with some details as to your case." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or hereditary King of Bohemia." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "I should wish to." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in than to us. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." him and tried to hold him back. XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings one which it was hard to resist. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you there were one or two details which were new to me. But the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, both be extremely obliged.' running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every business." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "An accident, I presume?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "And now?" I asked. "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told forecastle of an emigrant ship. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "You know me, then?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while night.' said he. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Yes." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged help us in this matter." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps official police." the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one throat." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to you in yours." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" throat." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Frequently." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "My dear Holmes!" is a common subject for conversation. "Stolen." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He friend's singular character. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited States. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen presume?" Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Oh, the cause is excellent!" with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes begin with, and I had not got mine yet." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a arms and began to sob in a high treble key. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the so-precious time, but come!' reach." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much at my remark. exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. chambers. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to Arthur Conan Doyle their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "It goes to the housekeeper's room." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more felt?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Literary Archive Foundation my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country once more on the important position which you have been fortunate even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of this gang." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So Miss Holder?" "That also I could fathom." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet washing it down with a long draught of water. against a man in the prime of life?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been mystery!" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the salesman. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper to have that photograph." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every what do you think they found in the pockets?" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His details." man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and to me. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that unprecedented a position." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "And on what day did he meet his death?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Did you become engaged then?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is bare slabs of marble. address. I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either the dangers which encompass me." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a promised to bring home. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left and glanced through. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Do you know him?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "But how could you guess what the motive was?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I tell him that I know him to be innocent." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the enter Dr. Roylott's room." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been It may be so in this case, also." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the mysterious business." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon yet." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the Surrey." "'Where to?' those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Quite so. She has her freedom." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be for the market.' from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid,